SOCIAL WORK AND MANAGEMENT ›› 2026, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (4): 45-54.

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A Classroom-Embedded Group Intervention for University Freshmen’ Adjustment: An Identity-Based Approach

BU He1, CHEN Huiling1, YAN Yingying1, NING Deqiang2   

  1. 1. School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200234, China;
    2. Party and Government Office, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210094, China
  • Received:2025-10-17 Online:2026-07-15 Published:2026-07-15

Abstract: The transition to university is a critical period for social role transformation and identity reconstruction. School adaptation is fundamentally a process of identity remaking through the reconfiguration of social relations. While universities have established administrative and psychological support systems, current intervention models focus primarily on instrumental assistance and fail to address the social challenges inherent in identity transition. This study developed an Identity Adaptation Empowerment Model based on the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC) and the Empowerment-Participation-Strengths framework. The model was implemented as a group intervention within a compulsory university course. A quasi-experimental evaluation of 119 freshmen showed significant increases in university adaptation, empowerment, and self-efficacy. Notably, participants’ negative emotion scores also increased. This indicates that the intervention reached the deep-seated psychological distress associated with identity reconstruction rather than providing only superficial emotional relief. The findings suggest that embedding into compulsory university course, professional social work intervention can effectively balance institutional requirements with student developmental needs.

Key words: university freshmen, identity adaptation, empowerment-participation-strengths, school social work

CLC Number: 

  • C916
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