Experiences of college students with disabilities and mental health disorders: Informing college transition and retention. Issue 4 (16th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Francis, Grace L.; Duke, Jodi M.; Fujita, Megan
• Is Part Of: Psychology in the schools. Volume 59:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 661
• Page End: 677
• Publication Date: 2021-12-16
• Subjects: college -- disability -- mental health -- needs -- strategies -- transition; Educational psychology -- Periodicals; Psychopédagogie -- Périodiques; 370.15
• DOI: 10.1002/pits.22637
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3085

Abstract

Abstract: The rate of college students with disabilities and co‐occurring mental health disorders (D/MH) is steadily increasing across the U.S. However, despite available services and supports, the outcomes of these students lag behind their peers without D/MH. Further, little is known about the needs of students with D/MH, including barriers they experience and strategies or resources they find helpful. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of nine diverse college students with D/MH attending a public university, including how the complexities associated with D/MH effected their lives and strategies they used that supported their well‐being, via in‐depth interviews and focus groups. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. Highlights: Students with disabilities and/or mental health disorders do not consistently receive appropriate support in college. Twelve college students with disabilities and/or mental health disorders reported feeling guilty, isolated from their family, and isolated from their peers. These students also described multiple wellbeing strategies they used in college such as engaging in self‐advocacy, accessing professional therapy, monitoring physical health, and engaging in distracting activities.