Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 27, 2025

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Experiences of Adverse Childhood Events and Racial Discrimination in Relation to Depressive Symptoms in College
Sarah R Dorvil1, Milkie Vu1, Regine Haardörfer1
1Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Problem:
The college years mark a critical period for experiencing multiple stressors and mental health problems. This study applied minority stress theory to examine adverse childhood events (ACEs) and experiences of racial discrimination, and their relationships to depressive symptoms among racially/ethnically diverse college students.
Methods:
We analyzed cross-sectional data from 2,685 college students attending seven colleges/universities in the state of Georgia. Measures included sociodemographics, ACEs, experiences of racial discrimination, and depressive symptoms.
Results:
Participants' average age was 20.51 (SD=1.94) years; 63.9% were female, 21.9% Black, and 7.8% Hispanic. Multivariable regression indicated that more ACEs predicted more experiences of racial discrimination, and both ACEs and discrimination experiences predicted greater depressive symptoms (p's<.001). Experiencing more ACEs was associated with being older, female, sexual minorities, White (vs. Asian), Hispanic, having less educated parents, and students at public colleges/universities or technical colleges (vs. private colleges/universities, p's<.05). More reports of racial discrimination were associated with being sexual and/or racial/ethnic minorities (p's<.05). Greater depressive symptoms were associated with being younger, female, sexual minorities, White (vs. Black), and students from public (vs. private) colleges/universities (p's<.01).
Conclusions:
College campuses should provide resources to address ACEs, racial discrimination, and mental health to support students' academic and psychosocial success.
Related Concept Videos
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
Bullying
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...

