The Psychology Underlying Successful Retention Practices

Abstract

This article describes the psychological processes that lead to academic and social integration based on a retention model proposed by the authors (Bean & Eaton, 2000). It also describes how successful retention programs such as learning communities, freshman interest groups, tutoring, and orientation rely on psychological processes. Four psychological theories form the basis for our recommendations: attitude-behavior theory which provides the overall structure of the theoretical model, and coping behavioral (approach-avoidance) theory, self-efficacy theory, and attribution (locus of control) theory that lead to academic and social integration.