Why the Need for Parental Support of Low-Income, First-Generation Students?
While a lack of assistance is apparent, research also demonstrates the importance of parental support for college students, particularly those who are low income, first generation, and/or ethnic minorities: • The transition to college inevitably decreases contact with family, and students may therefore perceive a reduction in parental support. This can create difficulties that may, in turn, negatively affect academic success while creating psychological distress. Higher levels of perceived parental support, however, result in positive academic, emotional, social, and wellness adjustments, in addition to overall life satisfaction (Friedlander, Reid, Shupak, & Cribbie, 2007; Love, 2008). • Ethnic minority students who attend predominantly White institutions and lack parental support are more likely to experience psychological and academic difficulties (Love, 2008). These students face discrimination and conformity pressures that their White counterparts do not (Love, 2008), and are there
