An Examination of the Psychological Well-Being of Students in Bartow High School’s International Baccalaureate and General Education Programs
Shannon Suldo, Psychological and Social Foundations and Elizabeth Shaunessy, Special Education working with International Baccalaureate School, Bartow
Description: The University Researchers will collaborate with Bartow High School, in Polk County, and their International Baccalaureate Program to investigate the psychological well-being and academic achievement of BHD students. Variables to be examined in relation to their influence on well-being include perceived stress, coping strategies, extracurricular activities, self-efficacy, school climate, and perfectionism. We will determine the differences in psychological well-being between students identified as gifted and their non-identified counterparts.
The current study will employ validated self-report instruments to assess all components of psychological and academic functioning. Data will be collected through students’ responses on instruments and review of student records. Feedback will be provided to the community partner about participants’ average scores on the variables of interest. Two different types of tests will be applied. The T-test will determine if significant differences exist between the two curriculum groups and ANOVA tests will determine the effect of grade levels and giftedness. The anticipated results will explain prior findings regarding anxiety in the IB students. The findings will also shed light on the coping strategies that are effective in managing stress of students in the IB program. The community partner will coordinate the data collection at BHS and will provide assistance in the collection of data from school records.
Contact Person: Shannon Suldo
Funding for Academic Year: 2005-06