Abstract summary 

This study aimed to evaluate how trends in mental health (e.g., diagnosis/treatment of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation) varied across intersections of gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation in a large, national sample of undergraduate students.Data from the American College Health Association, and National College Health Assessment II: 2016-2019 were analyzed (N = 228,640 undergraduate students from 442 campuses, ages 18-24; 67.8 % female, 40.4 % BIPOC, 3.0 % non-binary (trans/non-conforming), 19.4 % LGBQ+). We used logistic regression to predict each mental health indicator; covariates included year, gender, BIPOC, LGBQ+ status, and their interactions, as well as other covariate controls (e.g., region, year in school).There were significant and steady increases in the odds of each mental health indicator by year (ORs = 1.12-1.13), which were significantly greater in magnitude for LGBQ+ students (ORs = 1.20-1.23). Increases did not vary by gender, race/ethnicity, or intersections between these groups and LGBQ+ status. There were significant interactions between identity groups that aligned with intersectional and minority stress theories (which did not vary by year). Non-Hispanic White students had significantly greater odds of past-year treatment/diagnosis of depression and anxiety compared to BIPOC students; however, BIPOC students had significantly greater odds of past-year suicidal ideation and this was pronounced for BIPOC women. Being non-binary x LGBQ+ was associated with significantly greater odds of each indicator.Results affirm the importance of promoting mental health among college students, with a particular focus on how to better serve and support BIPOC, non-binary, and LGBQ+ students.

Authors & Co-authors:  Samek Akua Crumly Duke-Marks

Study Outcome 

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