Associations Between Low-Household Income and First-Generation Status With College Student Belonging, Mental Health,...

Area of Science:

• Higher Education
• Student Well-being
• Health Disparities

Background:

• College completion presents significant hurdles, particularly for first-generation (FG), low-income (LI), and combined FGLI students.
• These students encounter distinct structural challenges impacting their academic journey and overall well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine belonging, mental health, and well-being among FG, LI, and FGLI students at highly selective institutions.
• To compare the experiences of FG, LI, and FGLI students with their non-FG, non-LI, and non-FGLI peers.

Main Methods:

• A population-based survey of 1671 students at two interconnected highly selective higher education institutions.
• Analysis included descriptive statistics and regression models (linear, logistic, multinomial logistic) adjusted for age and race/ethnicity.
• Measures assessed sense of belonging, mental health symptoms, general health, well-being, sleep quality, and alcohol consumption.

Main Results:

• The overall sample reported strong belonging, low mental health symptoms, and good well-being, but a majority experienced poor sleep.
• FG, LI, and FGLI students reported significantly lower belonging, worse mental health, and poorer general health and well-being compared to their peers.
• Notably, FG, LI, and FGLI students exhibited the lowest rates of hazardous alcohol consumption.

Conclusions:

• Despite overall positive indicators in the general student population, FG, LI, and FGLI students face significant disparities in key areas of well-being.
• Colleges must acknowledge and address these challenges by tailoring health services and interventions to meet the specific needs of FG, LI, and FGLI students.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted support systems to improve the college experience and outcomes for vulnerable student populations.