The complexity of cultural mismatch in higher education: Norms affecting first-generation college students’ coping and help-seeking behaviors.

Abstract

Results revealed a mismatch between hard independence (being self-reliant, resilient, and emotionally tough) and soft independence (being self-expressive, pursuing personal interests, and gaining a sense of freedom) and illuminate how relational concerns hinder help seeking among first-generation college students. These findings support culturally tailoring outreach efforts to address norms that promote self-reliance and the underutilization of services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).