Most persons realize that the 'at-risk' student population is in jeopardy. Further studies reinforce the hypothesis that self-efficacy beliefs are proportional to academic performance. There is evidence to suggest that social class is a determinant of self-esteem.
Social classes removed from poverty status tend to demonstrate fewer problems with self-esteem.
This component of an individual's motivational system is the self-esteem motive, which is the wish to think well of oneself. Without self-esteem, one lacks satisfaction, confidence, and pride with oneself. The psychological state of the student has a pronounced effect on attrition behavior. Without mastery, one becomes reactive to their environment with an accompanying lack of coping skills. Cal State Fullerton.