Social support, belonging, and positive mental health for African students at US universities

African students represent one of the fastest growing demographics at US colleges, yet little is known about their mental health and successful adjustment to college.

African students (N = 405) pooled from three years (2020-2023) of the cross-sectional Healthy Minds Study (HMS).

We used tests of association to examine differences between age at migration and positive mental health. Stepwise linear regression analysis was used to examine predictors of positive mental health.

African students who came to the US as children reported lower levels of positive mental health than those who came as adults. Time in the US was negatively associated with positive mental health, while sense of belonging and perceived social support contributed to positive mental health.

Universities should consider culturally appropriate ways to cultivate a sense of belonging and access to supportive relationships to promote the well-being and success of this subsection of students.