Defining and measuring student adjustment-seeking behavior

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and define the concept of student adjustment-seeking behavior, differentiating it from the related behaviors of compliance-seeking, and help-seeking.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a survey of college students, documentation is provided as to the frequency of occurrence of student adjustment-seeking behavior. Also presented is empirical, albeit exploratory, evidence of a statistically significant correlation between self-reports of prior adjustment-seeking behavior, and adjustment-seeking likelihood.

Findings

In support of the study hypothesis, a moderately high, bivariate correlation was observed between adjustment-seeking likelihood and prior adjustment-seeking behavior.

Originality/value

Further attention to the topic and measurement of adjustment-seeking behavior would seem to be justified and continued efforts to validate the measure of adjustment-seeking likelihood may be fruitful in efforts to better understand adjustment-seeking behavior. Research recommendations, practical applications, and study limitations are discussed.

Citation

Geyer, P.D. (2016), "Defining and measuring student adjustment-seeking behavior", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 8 No. 4, pp. 414-423. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-04-2015-0030