Perceived social support and sense of belonging: The mediating role of academic anxiety among first-generation students at a South African university

This study investigated the role of academic anxiety in the relationship between perceived social support and a sense of belonging of first-generation university students. The sample consisted of 240 undergraduate first-generation students (FGS) at a South African university (female = 72.5%; mean age = 28.14 years, SD = 5.10 years). They completed surveys on perceived social (friendship and family) support, academic anxiety, and sense of belonging. Simple linear regression analysis results showed perceived family support to significantly predict sense of belonging. Additionally, simple mediation analysis results showed that academic anxiety significantly mediated the relationship between perceived friendship support and sense of belonging, for higher sense of belonging. Moreover, academic anxiety significantly mediated the relationship between perceived family support and sense of belonging, to be stronger. These findings suggest that friendship and family support resources foster a sense of belonging among FGS, which may reduce their academic anxiety. Developing FGS's sense of belonging is essential for positive mental health and academic success.