Examining social support and belonging as mental health protective factors for undergraduates with adverse childhood experiences.

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we examine social support and sense of belonging as protective factors against depression and anxiety among undergraduates with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), a growing population at heightened risk for mental health problems.

Participants: Our sample of 170 undergraduates (ages 18-25) attending a large public university in the southwestern US was comprised of predominantly female-identified (69%), South Asian (45%), junior and senior (78%), full time (97%) students.

Methods: Students self-reported ACEs, perceived social support, sense of school belonging, and depression and anxiety symptoms in fall 2022.

Results: Controlling for age, higher ACEs and lower social support and belonging predicted more severe depression and anxiety. Higher ACEs only significantly predicted higher depression severity when support and belonging were low. Interactions predicting anxiety were nonsignificant.

Conclusions: Findings highlight social support and belonging as potential intervention targets for reducing mental health risk among students with ACEs or other traumatic experiences.