Associations Between Low-Household Income and First-Generation Status With College Student Belonging, Mental Health, and Well-Being. Issue 3 (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kreniske, Philip; Mellins, Claude A.; Shea, Eileen; Walsh, Kate; Wall, Melanie; Santelli, John S.; Reardon, Leigh; Khan, Shamus; Hwei, Tse; Hirsch, Jennifer S.
• Is Part Of: Emerging adulthood. Volume 11:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: 710
• Page End: 720
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: first-generation college students -- socioeconomic status -- sense of belonging -- mental health -- well-being; Young adults -- Periodicals; Adolescence -- Periodicals; Teenagers -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; 305
• DOI: 10.1177/21676968221124649
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2167-6968

Abstract

Entering college is recognized as a developmental milestone. Completing college is difficult, however, and students who are first-generation (FG) or low-income (LI) or both (FGLI) encounter unique challenges. In secondary analysis of data from a population-based survey ( N =1671 undergraduates) at two interconnected highly-selective institutions of higher education, we examined belonging, mental health, and well-being comparing the overall student body to FG, LI, and FGLI students. Most FG, LI, and FGLI students reported a strong sense of belonging, few mental health symptoms, and good general health and well-being. Compared to the overall student body, FG, LI and FGLI students reported lower levels of perceived family support, worse sleep quality, and worked more hours for pay; FG and FGLI students reported higher symptoms of depression; LI and FGLI reported less hazardous drinking. Interventions and programmatic changes at the institutional level are needed to build campuses where students of all backgrounds can thrive.