National Collegiate Honors Council
Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive
Date of this Version
Fall 2024
Document Type
Article
Citation
Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council (Fall/Winter 2024) 25(2): 65-95
Special issue: Form on student mental health
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Abstract
This study explores the effect of preexisting mental health issues on college students’ academic performance. Using unique data from the honors college at a medium-sized urban private university, authors examine college entry essays (N = 1,062) in five classes (two pre-pandemic and three post-pandemic), as well as advisors’ (N = 7) notes. Mental health (MH) concerns are grouped into six non-mutually exclusive categories: depression/anxiety, neurodiversity/learning disabilities, identity-related concerns, grief/loss, trauma, and the mental health of others whose lives impact the student. The study finds that the number of honors students citing mental health in their entrance essays more than doubled following the onset of the pandemic. The most prevailing concerns relate to self-identity, the mental health of others, and depression/anxiety. Research indicates that students who cite MH concerns in their college applications are more likely to report having MH issues during their college years. Further analysis suggests that students who report MH concerns are more likely to have lower academic outcomes. Results demonstrate the need for educators and mental health practitioners to assess the preexisting mental health of entering college students in order to build structural capacity and provide supportive interventions throughout their college career. Statistical summary is appended.
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Copyright 2024, National Collegiate Honors Council. Used by permission