Social Integration in Higher Education is Predicted by Big Five Personality Dimensions

Tinto’s Student Integration Theory (1993) predicts that students who connect with each other are more likely to succeeded in higher education. This study investigated how personality and contextual factors predict social integration. Agreeableness, extraversion, and conscientiousness were found to predict social integration. The comparison of two teacher training programmes revealed no differences with regard to integration. Social integration had a differential effect on the use of learning strategies in higher education. Social integration as a complex process depends on individual characteristics and acts as and a resource for success in higher education.