Early Life Experiences: Temperament, Locus of Control, and Perceptions of Maternal Nurturance in First Generation College Students
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Sociology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Amanda Joyce, PhD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
This study explores the relationship between temperament, locus of control, and maternal nurturance in first generation college students (FGCS) and continuing-generation college students (CGCS). Early life experiences play a significant role in shaping temperament, ultimately influencing the sense of control one feels over life circumstances. This study aims to investigate whether or not being a first generation college student is associated with specific components of temperament, perceptions of maternal nurturance, and the development of an internal or external locus of control. This study hypothesizes that first generation college students will score significantly higher on measures of external locus of control, negative affect, and fearful temperament, and lower on perceptions of maternal nurturance compared to continuing-generation college students. Data were collected in the spring and fall 2025 semesters on 146 participants (116 female, 52 FGCS, average age = 18 years). Participants completed a series of questionnaires, including the Adult Temperament Questionnaire Short Form (Evans & Rothbart, 2007), Rotter’s Locus of Control (Rotter, 1966), and Nurturant Fathering Scale (Finley and Schwartz, 2004). Results revealed FGCS reported lower levels of positive affect [t(144) = -2.287, p = .012], lower levels of surgency [t(144) = -1.694, p = .046], higher levels of locus of control [t(133) = 1.823, p = .035], and that they perceived their mother to be less nurturing [t(144) = -3.528, p = .001] compared to CGCS. Results of this study provide additional insight into how early life experiences, maternal nurturance, and socioeconomic status impact temperament and locus of control in FGCS. Specifically, they indicate that the socioeconomic and other hardships FGCS and their families face may influence temperament, locus of control, and maternal nurturance. This is in line with previous research that suggests that parents who attend college are more financially stable, educated on parenting, and prepared to have children, while parents of FGCS may have outside stressors that take precedence over nurturing behaviors. Results of the study could help psychologists understand the multidimensional factors that shape development. Community intervention programs could be implemented to teach parents parenting skills, coping skills, and financial literacy to offset the harm associated with having a lower socioeconomic status. Results will be discussed in more detail during Scholar’s Week.
Key Words: First Generation College Students, Temperament, Locus of Control, Fearful Temperament, Negative Affect, Surgency, Positive Affect, Personality Development, Child Development, Maternal Nurturance, Socioeconomic Status
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Psychology: Completed Projects
Early Life Experiences: Temperament, Locus of Control, and Perceptions of Maternal Nurturance in First Generation College Students
This study explores the relationship between temperament, locus of control, and maternal nurturance in first generation college students (FGCS) and continuing-generation college students (CGCS). Early life experiences play a significant role in shaping temperament, ultimately influencing the sense of control one feels over life circumstances. This study aims to investigate whether or not being a first generation college student is associated with specific components of temperament, perceptions of maternal nurturance, and the development of an internal or external locus of control. This study hypothesizes that first generation college students will score significantly higher on measures of external locus of control, negative affect, and fearful temperament, and lower on perceptions of maternal nurturance compared to continuing-generation college students. Data were collected in the spring and fall 2025 semesters on 146 participants (116 female, 52 FGCS, average age = 18 years). Participants completed a series of questionnaires, including the Adult Temperament Questionnaire Short Form (Evans & Rothbart, 2007), Rotter’s Locus of Control (Rotter, 1966), and Nurturant Fathering Scale (Finley and Schwartz, 2004). Results revealed FGCS reported lower levels of positive affect [t(144) = -2.287, p = .012], lower levels of surgency [t(144) = -1.694, p = .046], higher levels of locus of control [t(133) = 1.823, p = .035], and that they perceived their mother to be less nurturing [t(144) = -3.528, p = .001] compared to CGCS. Results of this study provide additional insight into how early life experiences, maternal nurturance, and socioeconomic status impact temperament and locus of control in FGCS. Specifically, they indicate that the socioeconomic and other hardships FGCS and their families face may influence temperament, locus of control, and maternal nurturance. This is in line with previous research that suggests that parents who attend college are more financially stable, educated on parenting, and prepared to have children, while parents of FGCS may have outside stressors that take precedence over nurturing behaviors. Results of the study could help psychologists understand the multidimensional factors that shape development. Community intervention programs could be implemented to teach parents parenting skills, coping skills, and financial literacy to offset the harm associated with having a lower socioeconomic status. Results will be discussed in more detail during Scholar’s Week.
Key Words: First Generation College Students, Temperament, Locus of Control, Fearful Temperament, Negative Affect, Surgency, Positive Affect, Personality Development, Child Development, Maternal Nurturance, Socioeconomic Status