FIRST-GENERATION LATINE COLLEGE STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND TREATMENT

The percentage of first-generation (FG) college students enrolling at a college or university across the country has been steadily increasing. A large portion of FG college students are of Latine* descent. Both populations are considered high-risk populations for developing a mental illness. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the likelihood of developing a mental illness. This study will examine what these groups believe causes mental illness, openness to and endorsement of mental health treatment, and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Specifically, this study will compare the differences, if any, of FG v. non-FG and Latine v. non-Latine White college students in regard to their experiences with, and perceptions of, mental illness and treatment. 

Examining these factors may be beneficial to college or university administrators in designing and implementing mental health outreach programs to FG and Latine students. Additionally, the results of this study could benefit campus mental health counselors, particularly those at Hispanic Serving Institutions, and aid in the development of culturally sensitive treatment for the Latine population. Increasing mental health awareness on college campuses and developing more targeted, culturally sensitive mental health outreach and treatment may lead to greater awareness and utilization of mental health services and improve the overall well-being of these populations.

*Latine is an alternate gender-neutral term for Latinx that is easier to conjugate in Spanish and English.