Resilience in Post-Secondary Students: The Role of Academic Advisor Support

Abstract

Resilience serves as a powerful protective factor against a range of negative physical and psychological health outcomes and has much value for college students who are vulnerable to an increased number of stressors. Thus, universities should explore ways to aid students in building resilience, particularly through academic advising. In this study, we hypothesized that increased levels of perceived advisor support would predict increased levels of resilience. Regression analyses demonstrated that perceived advisor support significantly predicted resilience, surpassing the influence of psychological distress. Additionally, a bivariate correlation analysis identified vital aspects of the advisor-advisee relationship that may encourage resiliency. We discuss implications and strategies academic advisors may implement to facilitate a positive advisor-advisee relationship and build resiliency in their students.