The TOGETHER Study: Exploring the Relationship Between Ontario Undergraduate University Students’ Levels of Resilience and their Experiences of Diversity and Inclusion
Abstract
This study’s primary purpose was to assess, quantitatively, the relationship between Ontario undergraduates’ levels of resilience and experiences of diversity and inclusion, and to identify demographic factors most associated with these outcomes. The secondary purpose was to explore, qualitatively, students’ experiences of diversity and inclusion and their perspectives on how these experiences influenced their resilience. Demographic questions, three scales, and (focus group and individual) interviews were used. Undergraduates (n = 276) from 19 Ontario universities completed the survey. Pearson’s correlation revealed a positive relationship between resilience and experiences of diversity and feelings of inclusion. Demographics indicative of equity-deserving group membership were most associated with levels of resilience, experiences of diversity, and feelings of inclusion. Through interviews (n = 25), students described mostly positive experiences of diversity at university, with room for improvement regarding inclusion experiences. These findings can inform meaningful institutional practices to advance undergraduates’ experiences of diversity and inclusion.