Psychosocial issues and sources of support affecting retention for adult learners: Generational variations

Amid predictions of increasing numbers of jobs requiring employees with degrees, the retention of adult students returning to degree programs has become a critical concern. This study investigates generational differences in psychosocial factors that may influence adult students to discontinue taking classes, and the sources of support they find most helpful and important. A newlycreated survey instrument was found to have acceptable validity and reliability and used to collect data from thousands of adult college students in April-May 2011.