Eastern Kentucky University
Social Factors that Predict Fear of Academic Success
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Jonathan Gore
Abstract
Fear of academic success is ultimately a fear of social exclusion. Therefore, various forms of social inclusion may alleviate this fear. Three studies tested the hypothesis that social inclusion variables negatively predict fear of success. In Study 1, middle and high school students from Kentucky (n = 129) completed surveys of parental involvement, parental support, and fear of success. Only parental support negatively predicted fear of success. In Study 2, college students from Kentucky (n = 184) completed surveys of school connectedness, social isolation, and fear of success. Only school connectedness negatively predicted fear of success. In Study 3, college students from Kentucky and Georgia (n = 605) completed surveys of family support, school connectedness, and fear of success. Both family support and school connectedness negatively predicted fear of success. To solve the problems of fear of success, school resources should focus on enhancing family support and school connectedness.
Social Factors that Predict Fear of Academic Success
Fear of academic success is ultimately a fear of social exclusion. Therefore, various forms of social inclusion may alleviate this fear. Three studies tested the hypothesis that social inclusion variables negatively predict fear of success. In Study 1, middle and high school students from Kentucky (n = 129) completed surveys of parental involvement, parental support, and fear of success. Only parental support negatively predicted fear of success. In Study 2, college students from Kentucky (n = 184) completed surveys of school connectedness, social isolation, and fear of success. Only school connectedness negatively predicted fear of success. In Study 3, college students from Kentucky and Georgia (n = 605) completed surveys of family support, school connectedness, and fear of success. Both family support and school connectedness negatively predicted fear of success. To solve the problems of fear of success, school resources should focus on enhancing family support and school connectedness.