The Relationship Between Self-Esteem, Academic Success, And Retention In Students Of Color At Cornell College

Author

Schvalla Raymeil Rivera, Indiana State University

Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Abstract

Although some research has been conducted on the subject of academic success and retention in students of color, attention has not been paid to students of color who attend predominately White private postsecondary liberal arts institutions. Many students of color face a major dilemma when entering the world of higher Education; first, they must prove to their family, peers, and community that they have not sold out” their Black values while in the pursuit of mainstream or White” values (Neville, Heppner, & Wang, 1997). Second, they must confront feelings of inadequacy and isolation that very often come along with their attending a predominately White institution (PWI) for postsecondary Education (Neville et al., 1997). The primary objective of this study was to examine whether there is a relationship between self-esteem and academic success (vis-à -vis grade point average) and retention of students of color at Cornell College. This study examined the academic and enrollment records of students of color at Cornell College from 2011–2016. I then compared the grade point average (GPA) and enrollment data of students of color, with the results from the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and the Non-Cognitive Questionnaire, which was administered to students to determine if there is a relationship between the self-esteem and academic success and retention of students of color who attended Cornell College. The results revealed that were was no statistically significant relationship between the variables: RSES and GPA, RSES and enrollment status, NCQ Dimension scores and GPA, and NCQ Dimension scores and enrollment status. Although there were no statistically significant results, there were weak correlations between the variables, and NCQ appeared to have a stronger correlation to the dependent variables of GPA and enrollment status, which was consistent with the findings of previous research.

Recommended Citation

Rivera, Schvalla Raymeil, "The Relationship Between Self-Esteem, Academic Success, And Retention In Students Of Color At Cornell College" (2016). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1785.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/1785