Citation
Wilbur, Tabitha G (2020). Stressed but not Depressed: A Longitudinal Analysis of First-Generation College Students, Stress, and Depressive Symptoms.
Social Forces. vol. 100 (1) pp. 56-85
Abstract
Using The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), I examine stress exposure and depressive symptoms among first and continuing-generation college students before and during college. I find that first-generation college students experience more stressors during both adolescence and college attendance and higher levels of depressive symptoms during adolescence as compared to continuing-generation students. During college, however, first-generation students’ level of depressive symptoms is no different from their continuing-generation peers even before adjusting for stress exposure and adolescent depressive symptoms. The gap in symptoms closes because first-generation college students’ mental health improves while attending college, as they have significantly fewer depressive symptoms than they did during adolescence. Continuing-generation students, on the other hand, did not display a significant difference in their depressive symptoms between adolescence and college attendance. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soaa091Keyword(s)
SOCIAL SUPPORT
Reference Type
Journal Article
Journal Title
Social Forces
Author(s)
Wilbur, Tabitha G
Year Published
2020
Volume Number
100
Issue Number
1
Pages
56-85
Edition
Oct 14, 2020
DOI
10.1093/sf/soaa091
Reference ID
9505
