Honors Projects

Abstract

This literature review examines the relationship between personality, specifically the Big Five personality traits, and the academic, social, and emotional transition to college. Previous research has focused on how both non-personality and personality variables are associated with the transition to college. There is also literature that details how colleges have implemented policies in the past to ensure that all students feel welcomed on their campus. The literature review highlights the key findings from these studies, including that conscientiousness is consistently one of the personality traits that is associated with the different aspects of the transition to college, especially the academic transition. Based on previous work, a proposed study to explore this relationship is outlined, along with the expected results of this research. The literature review concludes by detailing the practical implications of this research, including potential policies and practices colleges can introduce to make sure that all students have a successful transition to college, regardless of their personality.

Department

Psychology

Major

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Anne Gordon

First Advisor Department

Psychology

Second Advisor

Dr. Ali Watts

Second Advisor Department

Higher Education Administration

Publication Date

Spring 4-27-2026

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