Racial Disparities in Mental Health Among Undergraduates

Abstract

It is estimated that 450 million people worldwide suffer from mental and behavioral disorders. As 75% of mental disorders onset prior to the age of 24, the college years are a particularly critical window when mental health can be promoted and mental health issues can be addressed. However, the racial disparities in mental health at universities are often unclear and rarely examined. The current study aims to investigate, within the Princeton University undergraduate population (N = 368), whether there are racial disparities within four domains of mental health: prevalence of mental illness, utilization of mental health services, stigmatizing attitudes related to mental illness, and knowledge regarding mental illness. Consistent with hypotheses, analyses revealed a number of significant racial disparities regarding the prevalence of mental illness, the utilization of mental health services, stigmatizing attitudes towards the mentally ill, and knowledge about mental illness. Given the findings of this and previous studies, Princeton University and similar institutions should focus on three fundamental initiatives: (1) educating students regarding mental illness in general, the accessibility of services on campus, and the efficacy of current treatments; (2) offering support groups for students of all racial backgrounds; and (3) providing cultural competency training for psychiatric service providers on campus.