In collaboration with the UBC Promoting Equitable and Affirming Relationship Lab (PEARL), we examined whether and how students’ personal friendships, along with the social dynamics within their learning groups in UBC’s Jump Start program, predicted their adjustment during the first year at university. Students in well-connected learning groups were more successful at adjusting to a new environment and, by the end of the year, tended to have higher GPAs, lower hostility, and a greater sense of belongingness in their institution.
The full article can be found here.
Nelson, M. A., Nakamura, J. S., Chen, F. S., & Mikami, A. Y. (2025). Better together: Group-level social dynamics predict individuals’ psychological adjustment during a major life transition. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.