University of Twente Student Theses
From Campus to Career: A Diary Study on Emotional Challenges and Psychological Need Satisfaction in Postgraduate First-Generation Students’ Workforce Entry
Töws, Jennifer (2025) From Campus to Career: A Diary Study on Emotional Challenges and Psychological Need Satisfaction in Postgraduate First-Generation Students’ Workforce Entry.
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| Abstract: | This study explores how first-generation students (FGS)—those whose parents did not complete a university degree—experience workforce entry, focusing on negative emotions, emotional variability, and the fulfillment of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. A weekly diary study was conducted with Dutch master's students completing internships. Participants rated their experiences regarding emotions and psychological need fulfillment. The analysis revealed that FGS reported lower competence at the end of their internships compared to continuing-generation students (CGS), but there were no differences in autonomy or relatedness. Higher average negative emotions predicted lower need fulfillment for all students, but emotional variability had different effects. CGS with fluctuating emotions experienced lower competence and relatedness, while for FGS, variability was linked to increased autonomy. FGS seemed less affected by persistent negative emotions, whereas CGS showed a stronger decline in need fulfillment when facing such emotions. These findings suggest that FGS may have developed strategies to maintain autonomy despite emotional challenges, while CGS appear more vulnerable to professional setbacks. Targeted career support and mentoring could help address the challenges faced by each group, promoting a more equitable transition into the workforce. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106066 |
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