Date of Award

2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science

Specialization

Developmental Science

Department

Human Development and Family Science

First Advisor

Sue K. Adams

Abstract

Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among first-generation college students, and can hinder their academic performance (BlackDeer et al., 2021).The current study sought to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among first-generation Middle Eastern/North African (ME/NA) college students and how that may impact academic performance. The data for this study came from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA), which is a leadership organization that advances the health of college students and campus communities through education, research, and advocacy. The sample in this study included 37,869 participants who identified themselves as first-generation college students and as Middle Eastern/North African (ME/NA) or White. A series of logistic regressions and moderation analyses were utilized to examine the relationship between ME/NA first-generation status and anxiety and depression and its possible impact on GPA. Findings indicate that being ME/NA and first generation in college increases the likelihood of experiencing depression and having a low GPA. Results also indicate that white first-generation students have higher rates of anxiety, but a higher GPA.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.