Abstract
M.Ed. (Psychology)
There has been a growing concern about first year students who enter universities without adequate learning and study strategies to meet academic demands. This can result in failure and underachievement.
Research subsequently focused on aspects which may negatively Influence the students' choice and use of learning strategies, such as cognitive and affective aspects of the learner. Very little attention has however been given to the influence of illnesses on the learner and his learning strategies.
The aim of this study Is to compare first year students who suffer from migraine headaches with students who do not suffer from it. This is done In order to determine whether or not migraine could be considered as an Influencing factor.
From the literature study that was undertaken it is clear that migraine headaches, which are classified as a chronic pain illness, can have a substantial impact on the psychological and social well-being of the patient. It can affect a patients cognitive and affective functioning as well as his behaviour.
Current research also show that there might be a common neurochemical cause for migraine headaches, affective disorders and certain learning problems. This research offer therapeutic possibilities in all above mentioned areas.
The question arose from the literature study of whether migraine headaches could be considered as a factor in the learning strategies of first year students. To answer this question, an empirical study was undertaken, Involving all 1992 first year students at RAU The battery contained the following diagnostic tests:
• LASSI (Learning and Study Strategles Inventory).
• A health questionnaire.
The data was processed In order to find whether a statistically significant correlation exlsted between migraine headaches and learning strategies among the first year students.
The empirical study confirmed that migraine headaches could be considered as an Influencing factor In the study and study learnlng strategies of first year students.
Due to the limited size of the experimental group. migraine headaches asa possible factor In the learning strategies off first year students can only be applicable to RAU first year students