A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry has highlighted the significant mental health challenges faced by college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Subi Gandhi, the research surveyed 571 students during the summer of 2021. Findings revealed alarming rates of mental health concerns: 39.4% of students met the clinical threshold for depression, 40.1% for anxiety and 31% experienced both. The study also identified key demographic and academic factors influencing mental health, such as age, race, parental education, gender, campus residence, health insurance and academic stressors.
Supported by the Presidential Excellence in Research Grant, this study represents the second major publication from the grant’s initiatives. It builds on prior research published in 2023 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and was featured at the PERS Symposium and the American Public Health Association Educational Conference in 2024.
Undergraduate researcher Brendan Morrow presented the findings, underscoring the importance of student involvement in high-impact research.
The study also emphasizes the crucial role of creating supportive campus environments to address mental health challenges. Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as improving access to mental health services, fostering community connections and reducing academic pressures through policy changes. By addressing these issues, institutions can better equip students to navigate their educational journeys with resilience.
The statistical expertise of Dr. Ryan Glaman played a key role in ensuring the study’s rigor.
Looking forward, Dr. Gandhi plans to expand this body of work with at least three additional studies aimed at developing evidence-based strategies for promoting student mental health.
For further details, explore the full publications: