The DisillusionmenT of sTuDenTs DenieD ADmission To A PreferreD mAjor VieweD from The PersPecTiVe of A PsychologicAl Theory of AlienATion

Why students respond differently when they are denied admission to a preferred academic major may be explained using a psychological theory of alienation. Using this theoretical perspective, three trajectories producing feelings of alienation are presented. The most intense of these trajectories, the process of disillusionment, is examined using a typology of behavioral responses based on the nature of the thwarted expectations, and the perceived availability of salient alternatives. Both the form and effect of behavioral student responses are included in the typology. The paper concludes with advising guidelines for helping students effectively cope with disconfirmed expectations.