PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT OF VOCATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Perceived social support has an important role on shaping university students’ future and their academic success. This study aims to determine the perceived social support level of vocational school students, and to test whether the perceived social support level of the students varies according to the demographic factors. In line with this aim, this study was performed at Yalova University Termal Vocational School between January 2018 and February 2018. Data were collected from 350 participants through using Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. According to the results, it was found that the students have higher level of perceived social support. Because its potential positive influence on students’ academic success, this result is evaluated as a positive outcome. In addition, it was found that gender and location does not show statistically significant variation for all aspects of perceived social support. Moreover, it was seen that education of students’ mothers was not also statistically significant for family and significant other sub-dimensions of perceived social support as well. However, education of students’ mothers was found to be statistically significant for friend sub-dimension of perceived social support. Furthermore, education of students’ fathers and family income showed statistically significant difference for all sub-dimensions of perceived social support. Additionally, it was found that perceived social support of students does not show variation for the all sub-dimensions of gender and location. Considering the direct effect of perceived social support on students’ academic success and its important role on shaping their future success, it is advised to measure students’ perceived social support level periodically, and to provide the necessary social support when it is needed