Student Retention: An Integrated Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Campus Social Environment

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Student Retention: An Integrated Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Campus Social Environment
Language: English
Authors: Nicholas Pitas (ORCID 0000-0002-2194-9640), Godfred Antwi, Scott Haines, Priya Banerjee
Source: Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice. 2025 27(3):720-743.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 24
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: School Holding Power, College Students, Student Behavior, Behavior Theories, Attachment Behavior, Social Capital, Student College Relationship, College Enrollment, Student Attitudes, Social Behavior, Behavior Standards
DOI: 10.1177/15210251231207607
ISSN: 1521-0251
1541-4167
Abstract: The goal of this study is to contribute to the significant body of research focused on student retention in higher education, specifically by integrating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with measures of campus place attachment and campus social capital. Using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to analyze survey data collected at a mid-sized American college, our results show that TPB constructs (i.e., attitude toward major, attitude toward campus, perceived graduation-related norms, perceived behavioral control) were strong predictors of intention to re-enroll. Additionally, both emotional and functional institutional attachment significantly predicted TPB constructs, and bridging social capital significantly predicted campus place attachment. We discuss the potential implications of these results for both administration/policy and future research.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1484936
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The goal of this study is to contribute to the significant body of research focused on student retention in higher education, specifically by integrating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with measures of campus place attachment and campus social capital. Using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to analyze survey data collected at a mid-sized American college, our results show that TPB constructs (i.e., attitude toward major, attitude toward campus, perceived graduation-related norms, perceived behavioral control) were strong predictors of intention to re-enroll. Additionally, both emotional and functional institutional attachment significantly predicted TPB constructs, and bridging social capital significantly predicted campus place attachment. We discuss the potential implications of these results for both administration/policy and future research.
ISSN:1521-0251
1541-4167
DOI:10.1177/15210251231207607