Variations in Trauma Exposure, Minority Status, and Considerations in Course Reduction in Mississippi University System

Abstract

Although college enrollment remains steady, rates of course reduction continue to rise. Most attrition research has focused on individual's precollege characteristics, but recent evidence shows that potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and/or mental health conditions are linked to college dropout. Although, little research has explored how the number of specific types of trauma exposures affects college retention. The present study examined how these types of traumatic exposures, mental health symptoms, and minority and employment status differentially relate to mental health and academic outcomes in Mississippi university samples ( N = 1,831). Those who endorsed multiple PTE exposures showed the highest likelihood of considering reducing course load. Further, students with any PTE, and who also reported mental health symptoms, were within certain minority groups, and faced higher employment burdens were at a greater likelihood of considering course reduction. Recommendations include implementing evidence-based treatment protocols, utilizing trauma-informed programming, and reducing minority prejudice.