Exploring the Psychosocial Characteristics and Systematic Support of Academically Maladjusted Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the psychosocial characteristics of academically maladjusted students and the College's current status regarding academic maladjustment based on 4-year medical student cohort data collected from 2018 to 2021 and through interviews with 10 medical education experts using the integrated research method. This study included 223 students who consented to inclusion in the student cohort and participated in the emotional behavior test and college adaptability test of whom 65 students experienced academic maladjustment. Academically maladjusted students had significantly higher scores for social stress, anxiety, sense of inadequacy, attention, hyperactivity, and school maladjustment, and significantly lower scores for relationships with parents, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-strength. Academic and social integrity, emotional stability, university satisfaction, and university service satisfaction were all significantly lower in the academically maladjusted students than in the non-maladjusted group. The expert interviews indicated that academic maladjustment was mainly recognized as a personal problem, with causes such as lack of motivation and learning methods, vulnerability to stress, lack of social relationships and alienation, lack of support from the family, and insufficient resilience. Systematic support other than counseling for academically maladjusted students is required, and an early diagnosis and preventive intervention are important.