Moving beyond the theories traditionally used to describe college student development, this engaging book introduces social psychological theories that address the most relevant issues in higher education today.

Terrell L. Strayhorn is Professor of Urban Education, Provost, and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Virginia Union University, USA.

Preface

Part I: Background of Theory

1. Introducing...A Social Psychological Approach

2. What's Theory Anyway?

Part II: Applications of Theory to Practice

3. Ecological Systems Theory: An Ethnographic "Glimpse"

4. Sense of Belonging in College: A Fresh Perspective

5. Group Contact Theory: Prejudice & Discrimination

6. Grit and Hardiness: A Social Psychological View of Positivity

7. Personality Theory: Three Little Pigs & Big-Five Traits

8. Mentoring: Mutual Benefits, Separate Roles

9. Hope Theory: Evidence of Things Not Seen...

10. Social Influence: How Others Shape Us and Our Aspirations

11. Epilogue