Emotional Distress and Access to Mental Health Care Among First-Generation College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Sixteen
  In Roundtable Session: First-Generation Student Experiences (Table 1)

Abstract

COVID-19 has impacted the mental health of college students. Yet, there is no research examining how pandemic realities impacted knowledge, attitudes and practices around mental health service seeking for undergraduate first-generation college students (FGCS). We examine how psychological distress and barriers to mental healthcare shifted for FGCS during COVID-19. 359 participants responded to surveys and 28 participants provided in-depth interviews pre and post-pandemic. Participants reported increases of depressive symptoms and stress. Latinx and female students were most likely to endorse increased stress. Financial and housing difficulties, social isolation, and threats to the health of self and others had both direct and indirect effects on mental health. Implications for investments in mental health services on university campuses will be discussed.

Authors

• Elizabeth Raposa, Fordham University
  Presenting Author

• Ida R. Salusky, Northwestern University
  Presenting Author

• Katie Bartolotta
  Non-Presenting Author

• Nicola Forbes, Fordham University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Lidia Monjaras-Gaytan, DePaul University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Yesenia Garcia-Murillo, DePaul University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Grevelin Ulerio, DePaul University
  Non-Presenting Author

• George Perron, Seton Hall University
  Non-Presenting Author