The Role of Social Support and Positive Psychological Capital in Chinese FGCSs’ Engagement in Higher Education: A Strengths-Based Perspective

Abstract

The study shifts the research focus of First-Generation College Students (FGCSs) away from a deficitbased model towards a strengths-based perspective to examine those FGCSs who can successfully integrate into higher education. Specifically, twelve FGCSs in China were interviewed. The findings revealed that FGCSs can leverage interpersonal resources (i.e., social support) as well as intrapersonal resources (i.e., positive psychological capital) to adapt to and excel in college life and study. These findings have important implications for promoting a more comprehensive understanding of FGCSs and encouraging their greater sense of empowerment and confidence.