Abstract
Objective: This study investigates the individual, interpersonal, and institutional level factors that are associated with overall mental health among college students. Participants: Data are from an online cross-sectional survey of 2,203 students currently enrolled at a large public university. Methods: Mental health was ascertained using a subcomponent of the RAND Medical Outcomes Study functioning and well-being measures developed by the RAND corporation. Stepwise regression was used to determine if self-reported measures of individual (ie, coping abilities), interpersonal (ie, intergroup awareness), and institutional (ie, campus climate/tension) level factors were associated with overall mental health, after controlling for demographic characteristics. Results: The combined effects of both individual and institutional level measures were associated with student mental health. In particular, limited coping abilities and a perceived racially tense campus climate contributed to the psychological distress of college students. Conclusions: Simultaneously addressing the individual and institutional level influences on mental health offers the most promising help for students.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 185-193 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of American College Health |
Volume | 60 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- campus climate
- college students
- coping abilities
- mental health
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health