Sociology Commons^™

The Entangled Student: Identity Control Theory And Student Identity, Joshua Smith

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This study examines the strengths and opportunities in applying the frame of Identity Control Theory (ICT) to understanding the first-year experiences of students in higher education. Through thirty-one semi-structured interviews with undergraduate and graduate students during their first term in the program of study, different components of the ICT model are explored and tested. Results indicate ICT is modestly effective in explaining the first term experience for these students, but could be enhanced through further development in the areas of identity connectedness, identity exploration and resources/resilience. Recommendations for higher education programming and suggestions for a potential research agenda for ICT …