Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, Vol 9(3), Sep 2023, 276-287; doi:10.1037/stl0000249
Gen Z shares many technological, social, mental, and public health experiences which may influence their decision to major in psychology and acquire related skills and knowledge. This study interviewed and surveyed Gen Z psychology majors so programs can anticipate incoming student characteristics and their desired learning goals. In Study 1, focus groups of Gen Z psychology majors were asked open-ended questions regarding their shared characteristics, why they chose to major in psychology, and their desired skills and learning outcomes. In Study 2, an online sample of Gen Z psychology majors rated their agreement with the content-coded themes of Study 1. Study 1 revealed Gen Z psychology majors tend to be tech-savvy, socially aware, and change oriented. Reasons for majoring in psychology included a desire to improve society, increase mental health, and a curiosity about others’ behavior. The most frequently desired skills and learning outcomes included developing interpersonal and communication skills, greater perceptiveness, critical thinking, and applied knowledge. Study 2 confirmed these findings. Gen Z psychology majors share many characteristics and expectations that can inform how psychology programs relate to students and anticipate their needs. Findings may guide recruitment and other programmatic decisions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)