AN APPROACH AVOIDANCE BEHAVIORAL-MODEL OF COLLEGE-STUDENT ATTRITION

We used approach/avoidance theory to develop a conceptual model of stu dent attrition that we estimated using 262 first- and second-year stud ents at a major midwestern research university. We found that we could use psychological theories to enhance our understanding of the retent ion process; that psychological and sociological factors accounted for 37 percent of the variance in student attrition; and that institution s can enhance retention by developing programs that increase appropria te academic and social approach behaviors and reduce-avoidant behavior s.