Predicting Commitment in Adult and Traditional-Age Students: Applying Rusbult's Investment Model to the Study of Retention

Rusbult's Investment Model, a theoretical model of commitment based on notions of social exchange and interdependence theory, was used to predict college commitment in traditional-age and adult college students. A questionnaire assessing rewards, costs, investments, alternatives, and commitment to college was administered to 216 traditional-age students (83 males and 133 females) who attended regular weekday classes at a midsized private university in the Northeast and 204 adult students (77 males and 127 females) enrolled in a Saturday College program designed for older adults wishing to complete their baccalaureate degree by attending Saturday classes. Rewards, investments of time and money, and investments represented by potential losses upon leaving proved to be significant predictors of commitment for traditional-age students. Rewards, investments represented by potential losses upon leaving, and few perceived acceptable alternatives were determined to be significant predictors of commitment for adult students. Costs did not affect commitment for either traditional-age or adult students. It was concluded that increasing traditional-age and adult students' commitment to their college may require policies and procedures developed in consideration for the differences between the two age groups. (Contains 31 references.) (MN)