Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019
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Date of Graduation
Fall 2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Department
Department of Psychology
Advisor(s)
Monica Reis-Bergan
Jeffrey T. Andre
William Evans
Abstract
Parental attachment, the initial bond between parent and child, has the potential to influence relationships and other aspects of behavior throughout the lifespan. Past research supports the idea that parent attachment is a positive influence on academic achievement, motivation to succeed in school while being negatively associated with high-risk drinking behavior. The current study examined parental attachment scores, reported and predicted grades, parent influence on academic motivation, and drinking habits of 99 female college students in their first semester. Contrary to predictions, there were no significant relations between grades and attachment, a negative correlation was found between seeking motivation from parents and attachment, and a positive correlation was found between risky drinking behaviors and attachment. Future research is needed to examine students’ perceptions of parent expectations about the college experience and to replicate the current findings.
Recommended Citation
Ratliff, Hailey Marjorie, "How attachment relates to college students' achievement, motivation, and drinking behaviors" (2013). Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019. 466.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/honors201019/466
