Academic Satisfaction in College and Relatedness to Instructors, Parents, and Peers
Date of Award
2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Barton, Michelle
Keywords
Relatedness, Self-Esteem, Self Determination, Theory, Academic Satisfaction, Class Size, School Size
Area of Concentration
Psychology
Abstract
Satisfaction is a measure of an individual's general quality of life. Self Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) states that when three basic needs, autonomy, competence, and relatedness, are met, people tend to be more satisfied. However, these three needs' effects on academic satisfaction at the college level has not been extensively documented, and some research has found relatedness to not be as predictive of satisfaction as competence and autonomy in this school setting (Filak & Sheldon, 2003). However, this research has not taken into account multiple levels of relatedness, including relatedness with instructors, parents, and peers. The current study looked at relatedness with these three social partners at the college level and its association with academic satisfaction in both students' individual courses and global college experiences. Furthermore, it examined the association between class and school size and relatedness at the college level. Instructor relatedness and self esteem were the most consistent unique predictors of satisfaction during students' most satisfying courses, least satisfying courses, and global college experience. Competence was a unique predictor of satisfaction during students' least satisfying classes, and autonomy was a unique predictor of satisfaction during students' global college experience. Class size and school size did not have any association with relatedness to instructors, parents, or peers.
Recommended Citation
Yelverton, Rita, "Academic Satisfaction in College and Relatedness to Instructors, Parents, and Peers" (2010). Theses & ETDs. 4362.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4362
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.