The psychological benefit of future vividness in goal persistence: An illustrative case of the class of 2020 before & during COVID-19

Samantha L. McMichael, Virginia S.Y. Kwan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Graduating during COVID-19, the Class of 2020 had difficulty pursuing their future goals. This research examined the likelihood of academic and career goal change early in the pandemic, disparities in persistence by socioeconomic status (SES), and how psychological resources mitigated goal change during the early stages of the pandemic. This 4-year study surveyed students in the Class of 2020 eight times from their first week in college (Fall 2016) to their last semester before graduation (Spring 2020; N = 115; 20% below middle SES, 80% middle SES or above). Even in the first weeks of COVID-19, a quarter of students changed goals. Lower SES students were less likely to persist in their post-graduation plans. Nevertheless, students who entered college with a vivid image of their future were more likely to have secured a graduate school or job prospect prior to COVID-19, and, in turn, were less likely to change goals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere12754
JournalSocial and Personality Psychology Compass
Volume17
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2023

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • class of 2020
  • future time perspective
  • future vividness
  • goal persistence
  • pandemic
  • socioeconomic status inequality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology

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