University adjustment of freshmen in undergraduate Psychology

Abstract

Research on academic experiences have been presented as a reply to the increase in dropout and career re-choice. Identifying the factors that foster as well as hinder the path of higher education may help psycho-educational and psychological interventions, as well as to prevent these issues. This research aimed to investigate the process of adaptation to the University by freshmen in the course of Psychology. For this, the contents of 18 logbooks produced by students in the first and second semesters of a Psychology course were analyzed. In these, we sought to identify indicators of adaptation and maladjustment to entering the University through writing students. The categorization process yielded 11themes consonant to previous research findings and new themes yet in need for further studies in this line of research. In the first group, they stood out issues such as peer groups and time management. In the second, items such as on-line classes and experiences alike, demanding specific skills from the students. Educational Psychology, in university contexts, can deal with these factors and help solve a problem that upsets many university students.