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Kamalumpundi V, Silvers S, Franklin L, Neikirk K, Spencer E, Beasley H, Wanajalla C, Vue Z, Crabtree A, Kirabo A, Gaddy JA, Damo SM, McReynolds M, Odie LH, Murray SA, Zavala ME, Diaz Vazquez A, Hinton AO. Speaking up for the invisible minority: First-generation students in higher education. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31158. [PMID: 38226956 PMCID: PMC11250050 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
A first-generation college student is typically defined as a student whose biological parent(s) or guardian(s) never attended college or who started but did not finish college. However, "first-generation" can represent diverse family education situations. The first-generation student community is a multifaceted, and intersectional group of individuals who frequently lack educational/financial resources to succeed and, consequently, require supportive environments with rigorous mentorship. However, first-generation students often do not make their identity as first-generation students known to others due to several psychosocial and academic factors. Therefore, they are often "invisible minorities" in higher education. In this paper, we describe the diverse family situations of first-generation students, further define "first-generation," and suggest five actions that first-generation trainees at the undergraduate/graduate stages can engage in to succeed in an academic climate. We also provide suggestions for mentors to accommodate first-generation students' unique experiences and equip them with tools to deliver intentional mentoring practices. We hope that this paper will help promote first-generation student success throughout the academic pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayvardhan Kamalumpundi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sophielle Silvers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Eberly College of Science, Pennsylvania State University, State, College, PA 16801, USA
| | - Latisha Franklin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Eberly College of Science, Pennsylvania State University, State, College, PA 16801, USA
- Millenium Scholars Program, Eberly College of Science, Pennsylvania State University, State, College, PA 16801, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Elsie Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Heather Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | | | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Department of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Gaddy
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Steven M. Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Melanie McReynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Eberly College of Science, Pennsylvania State University, State, College, PA 16801, USA
| | - Latanya Hammonds Odie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, USA
| | - Sandra A. Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Maria Elena Zavala
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, CA 91330 USA
| | - Arnaldo Diaz Vazquez
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Antentor O. Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Kim T, Shein B, Joy EE, Murphy PK, Allan BA. The Myth of Social Mobility: Subjective Social Mobility and Mental Health. COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/00110000221148671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A common assumption is that upward mobility produces positive psychological outcomes. However, status-based identity framework and social class worldview model propose that perceived social mobility in either direction will lead to increased distress. Based on this claim, we examined relations among subjective social mobility, life satisfaction, and mental health using polynomial regression with response surface mapping. In Study 1, groups that experienced both subjective downward and upward mobility reported more depressive symptomatology than groups that remained in middle or upper social statuses in a sample of 567 adults. We did not find significant relations between subjective social mobility and life satisfaction. In Study 2, both groups that experienced subjective downward and upward mobility reported more depressive and academic distress symptomatology than groups that remained in middle or upper social social statuses in a sample of 7,598 clients from college counseling center data. The results provide insights relevant to multicultural counseling and training.
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Guthrie KL, Ardoin S, Purita R. Expanding influence of social class in leadership development. New Dir Stud Leadersh 2021; 2021:121-131. [PMID: 33871935 DOI: 10.1002/yd.20428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this chapter, the authors synthesize ideas presented by authors in this issue and provide considerations of social class in leadership development. Recommendations and guidance for deepening the influence educators have on leadership learning practices regarding social class are included.
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Sabaner C, Arnold KD. Mental Health in the Transition to College: Experiences of Six Low‐Income, High‐Achieving Students. JOURNAL OF COLLEGE COUNSELING 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jocc.12174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Can Sabaner
- Counseling, Developmental & Educational Psychology Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development
- Now at Verba Mea Istanbul Turkey
| | - Karen D. Arnold
- Educational Leadership and Higher Education Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development
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Balidemaj A, Small M. The effects of ethnic identity and acculturation in mental health of immigrants: A literature review. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2019; 65:643-655. [PMID: 31478453 DOI: 10.1177/0020764019867994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this literature review was to highlight the studies on mental health in relation to acculturation and ethnic identity and to identify research gaps. The results can be used to help inform future immigrant mental health workers and policy makers as well as provide information about the implications of immigrant mental health. METHODS The literature search was conducted electronically, directed by a variety of key words. The search focused on five areas of immigrant mental health importance: (1) acculturation; (2) acculturation and mental health; (3) ethnic identity; (4) ethnic identity and mental health; and (5) acculturation, ethnic identity and mental health. A total of 171 articles were examined and 110 were included in the review. RESULTS The information is presented in the following categories: acculturation; acculturation and mental health; ethnic identity; ethnic identity and mental health; and acculturation, ethnic identity and mental health. Research gaps are also presented. CONCLUSION Overall, literature shows that acculturation, ethnic identity and mental health are closely related to one another affecting both, individuals and communities. This literature review will help to better inform practitioners who may encounter immigrants experiencing mental health issues due to acculturation and ethnic identity pressure. This review may also help policy makers identify specific obstacles that are not addressed in immigration policies which can affect the implementation of these policies. In addition, the information presented can be used as an instrument for researchers in the field. Despite the limited amount of information about immigrant mental health challenges, much work remains to fully support the affected individuals and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albina Balidemaj
- 1 Rochester Institute of Technology Kosovo (RIT Kosovo), Prishtina, Kosovo
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