How Do First-year Students Become Young Adults? Theories of College Student Development

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of prominent theories about areas in which college students develop and how they do so, as well as factors that hinder students’ growth. Although there are a multitude of theories about college student development, such as those that describe students’ moral or cognitive growth, this chapter will focus on theories that are most closely related to students’ mental health and wellbeing. The seven domains in which college students grow, according to Chickering, are reviewed first, followed by Sanford’s theory that posits that college students need a proper balance of challenge and support to develop. Next, the chapter explores Baxter Magolda’s theory of self-authorship, which proposes that college students are responsible for becoming adults by actively narrating their own beliefs, identities and relationships. The chapter concludes by examining various models of cultural identity development. Although these models are not specific to college students, virtually all students will develop their identities along one or more cultural dimensions before they graduate. Models of ethnic identity development, White racial consciousness and faith development are presented in detail.

Citation

Hayes, J.A. (2024), "How Do First-year Students Become Young Adults? Theories of College Student Development", College Student Mental Health and Wellness: Coping on Campus, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 49-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83549-194-220241003