Individual, Family, and Community Education ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-13-2023

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore academic self-efficacy and utility value for college coursework for college undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the present study employed qualitative analysis to explore challenges students faced and what strategies they are using to promote their sense of well-being during the pandemic. One hundred eighty-seven undergraduates enrolled in educational psychology courses completed an online survey during the spring 2022 and summer 2022 semesters. The online survey consisted of a demographic questionnaire, two self-efficacy scales, and a utility value scale. In general, students had high levels of self-efficacy for graduating from college but lower self-efficacy for completing college coursework. A series of two-tailed analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to test whether there were group differences on self-efficacy scales. American Indian/Alaska Native students had higher self-efficacy for successfully completing college coursework than their Hispanic and White peers. Males also had significantly higher self-efficacy scores for successfully completing college coursework than females, and there were differences in mean scores on self-efficacy based on education level of fathers. Results from the qualitative analysis indicate the majority of students have experienced many challenges associated with online coursework, reported decreased motivation, and increased levels of stress and anxiety during the pandemic. Furthermore, undergraduate’s social relationships with family and friends, exercise, and social media are some of the coping strategies students are using to promote their well-being during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Implications of findings within the current research literature and future directions are discussed.

Keywords

Self-efficacy, academic motivation, post secondary students, COVID-19

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Educational Psychology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Individual, Family, and Community Education

First Committee Member (Chair)

Terri Flowerday

Second Committee Member

Jan Armstrong

Third Committee Member

Carolyn Hushman

Fourth Committee Member

Allison Borden

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