Self-Authorship Capacity and Its Relationship with College Student Experiences and Outcomes

Abstract

To achieve many outcomes promoted by student affairs educators, students need the internal capacity to author their knowledge, identities, and relationships. This study examined the link between students’ entering self-authorship capacity and their experiences and outcomes in their first and fourth years. Findings from 214 participants indicate that self-authorship capacity is positively and significantly associated with subsequent academic challenge, diversity experiences, and faculty/staff interactions, which then predict increased psychological well-being, leadership skills, and intercultural competence.