Examining Mental Health in Boston College Undergraduates

Abstract

The well-being of students is pivotal to the success of higher education institutions, yet students are experiencing an unsettling rise in mental health issues. This study aims to examine the mental health status of Boston College undergraduates and how different institutional and social factors shape variance in mental health. Undergraduate students (N=919) completed an anonymous online survey asking about mental well-being, campus attitudes/culture, and support resources on campus. significant relationships between mental health outcomes and self-rated mental health, feeling tired or having little energy, poor appetite or overeating, thoughts of self-harm, and seeking support for mental health difficulties. Additionally, There are statistically significant relationships between the prevalence of mental health diagnoses and school, race/ethnicity, and sex. Attempting to access University Counseling Services also varies by sex, race/ethnicity, and graduation year. I provide strategies to improve future research, support the well-being of undergraduates, and increase student engagement with mental health resources and practices.