Review of Literature
The college transition is a time of colliding change. Change in individual time management, evolving subject interest, and new academic expectations. However some of the toughest challenges in college transitions do not have to do with academic related items. For some the hardest challenge is living with a roommate for the first time. This transition is so frequently an issue that the university, and others alike, have published tips on making a roommate relationship healthy (“The first year: a guide for parents and families of incoming Emory students”, 2008) What stood out as the most important consideration is to be certain in ones own morals, and to be able to communicate them from the start. Another commonly reported issue was trying to find balance in ones schedule (Central College- making the transition). This is different from time management since in this case one is trying to level out academic work with exercise and social activities, making sure one does not excessively commit to any. Specifically personality traits cause one to be more prone to having a harder time in one area than another. For example people who struggle in expressing anger or dealing with conflict will have more of an issue in their social situations. If a person is naturally an independent thinker and is less prone to frustration they may find academic and time management an easier change compared to others. Some of the qualities I listed above are attributed to being an only-child or a being a child with siblings. In the study by Jaio et al 1986 they found that children with siblings typically are more persistent, cooperative, and better able to express their feelings than only-children in the same age bracket. Therefore children with siblings I would generalize to be better equipped for the social transition of college. Only-children have been reported to have excessive sensitivity and trouble expressing anger (Eischens, 1998.) This makes only-children have trouble with conflict, which could hinder their social transition into new friend groups. However mentally only-children have been reported as being more precocious. As adolescents only-children tend “to have and pursue a strong sense of personal agenda for themselves and be independent in that way" (“the adolescent Only Child”.) Generally only-children therefore are good at making schedules. Order and constancy are important factors to have in their lives.
Only-children and children with siblings grow up in different familial environments, and that can change which college transitions are more difficult for them. Not much literature is on this topic so I make these generalizations with hesitancy, since again the personality linked advantages are only trends and can highly vary based on the person, not only the environment they were raised in.
Only-children and children with siblings grow up in different familial environments, and that can change which college transitions are more difficult for them. Not much literature is on this topic so I make these generalizations with hesitancy, since again the personality linked advantages are only trends and can highly vary based on the person, not only the environment they were raised in.