We are members of Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) scholars that are participating in a first-year research course focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our research project is focused on “Mental Health in First-Generation Students”. Moving to college is the first step towards adulthood and one of the biggest transitions in a person’s life. This transition can have both positive and negative impacts on a first-year student’s mental health. All of this newfound freedom and responsibility is handled differently by each student. In our research, we specifically analyze the mental health differences in first-generation students and non-first-generation students at Miami University. The main method used to gauge the differences was a voluntary survey sent out to all Miami freshmen. Our survey contained questions pertaining to stress while applying to college and attending it, as well as how students cope with their stress. This is relevant to our main research question, as we will use it to make comparisons between the first-generation and non-first-generation students. The major findings of our surveys were that all students, regardless of first-generation status, experienced high-stress levels both applying to college and attending college. The most common themes we saw in how students cope were exercise, talking with friends or family, hobbies, and relaxing activities. With these findings, we hope to help first-year students find healthy coping mechanisms and access to counseling. This first-year research experience has taught us many things about the world of research and will be useful knowledge in our future careers.
Authors: Lily Durzinsky, Political Science. Liz Gonzalez, Psychology. Landon Morrison, Global Diplomacy. Neon Nyman, Anthropology.
Advisors: Carolyn S. Craig, College of Arts & Science; Joyce J Fernandes, Office of Research for Undergraduates, Miami University; Katie Gibson, University Libraries; Abi Morgan, University Libraries
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