JOURNAL ARTICLE

A Qualitative Thematic Analysis of First-Generation College Students' Help-Seeking Attitudes, Decisions, and Behaviors.

  • Published In: Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 2025, v. 27, n. 3. P. 631 1 of 3

  • Database: Education Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Hagler, Matthew; Johnson, Renesha; Boags, Johnathan; Snipe, Leah 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the help-seeking attitudes, decisions, and behaviors of first-generation college students (FGCS) at a regional, public, four-year university. Through qualitative interviews with 25 first-year FGCS, the study found that these students are strategic in seeking help, balancing perceived costs such as time constraints, shame, and fear of burdening others against tangible benefits. FGCS preferred self-reliance but sought support when problems were clear, accessible resources were available, and helpers demonstrated empathy and personal connection. The findings suggest that universities can better support FGCS by providing designated, accessible points of contact, peer mentoring, and interventions that destigmatize help-seeking while respecting students' autonomy and cultural experiences.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice. 2025/11, Vol. 27, Issue 3, p631
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Education
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:15210251
  • DOI:10.1177/15210251231198006
  • Accession Number:188284961
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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