Peer-Peer Cultural Value Mismatch in the Dormitory During the Transition to College: Antecedents and Correlates

This research focuses on peer-peer cultural value mismatch – perceived mismatch between collectivistic ideologies and practices of one student and individualistic ideologies and practices of another – among students living in the dormitories during the transition to college. Two survey studies examined the antecedents and correlates of two types of mismatch: (1) reciprocation mismatch: giving or offering a material or service to one’s roommate but not receiving anything in return; and (2) not thinking of the other: feeling as though roommates are not considerate of one’s feelings or schedule. Study 1: A sample of 110 students in their first year of college showed that being a first-generation college student increased the likelihood of experiencing reciprocation mismatch. Both forms of mismatch predicted experiences of psychological distress, reports of academic problems, and lower grades. Study 2: A sample of 152 (76 dormitory roommate pairs) first-year college students revealed that social-class differences in parental education between dormitory roommates predicted students’ experiences with reciprocation mismatch. Students of lower parental education than their roommate reported significantly more mismatch. More mismatch experience was in turn linked to significantly higher levels of academic problems during the transition to college. Implications for research, residential life, and intervention are discussed.