Examining Social Activity, Need to Belong, and Depression Among College Students

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-27-2021

Publication Title

Journal of American College Health

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2021.1967357

Abstract

Objective

Prior research suggests that social connectedness is associated with lower levels of depression among college students. The aim of this exploratory study was to determine if an association existed between social activity, need to belong, and depression. Variations in study measures by race, gender, and student status were also explored.

Participants

Data was collected from students attending a large university in the southeastern United States during the Spring 2019 academic semester (N = 299).

Methods

Participants completed an anonymous self-administered survey, which was offered in both electronic and paper formats.

Results

Need to belong significantly predicted depression among college students even when accounting for social activity and response bias. Study measures varied significantly based on race, gender, and student status.

Conclusion

Belonging and social connectedness may be utilized by collegiate stakeholders to increase student and university outcomes.

Comments

Georgia Southern University faculty member, Stacy Smallwood co-authored Examining Social Activity, Need to Belong, and Depression Among College Students.

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