From Exceptional to Expelled: Exploring the Psychological Types of Exceptionally Bright but Academically 'At-Risk' University Learners

This research identifies characteristics of exceptionally bright but academically 'at-risk' university learners using Jung's Theory of Psychological Type (1921). This theory is examined in relation to academic success rates in a southwestern Ontario university. This case study highlights students whose secondary school averages were above 85% when they entered university, but were required to withdraw from the university after their first year. Quantitative data including MBTI self-assessment results and end of term grades were collected from 420 students. Qualitative data were collected from nine semi-structured interviews with instructors and advisors who worked with these students. A mixed methods approach and transformative research design inform the data collection and analysis process. Quantitative results highlight patterns in student characteristics based on Jung's Theory of Psychological Type. Qualitative results identified student learning approaches and the administration of the retention program as barriers to students' academic success. Finally, binary logistic regressions identified direct correlations between students' Strategies and Skills for Academic Success course grades, their Psychological Types (as noted by the MBTI self-assessment tool) and their persistence to continue in university studies. Practical implications from this study add another analytical dimension to the conversation between the advisor and their 'at-risk' student who is considering retention programming. Jung's Theory of Psychological Type is incorporated into a screening process that advisors can use. Finally, a theoretical model suggests the dynamic interplay between how students learn, how they process information and make decisions and the need to be cognizant of the environmental, personal and behavioural factors when designing interventions that are in-line with students' Psychological Types.