Links Between Racial Discrimination and College Student Mental and Physical Health

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the associations between racial discrimination and college student mental and physical health outcomes. Also, relationships with parents and ethnicity were analyzed as moderators. The sample consisted of 869 college students (Mage = 19.55; 57.8% female; 63.4% single; 75.9% European American, 24.1% ethnic minorities; Mdn yearly income = $4,100) from a conservative U.S. state. Racial discrimination, parent-youth relations, mental health, and physical health were assessed using anonymous, online surveys. Findings indicated that racial discrimination was significantly and positively related to internalizing symptoms, health problems, and risky behavior. Although ethnic minorities reported significantly higher mean levels of discrimination, the associations between perceived racial discrimination and risky behavior and health problems were stronger among European Americans. Findings also showed that links between racial discrimination and mental and physical health were attenuated among ethnic minorities reporting high levels of relationship quality and low levels of co-rumination. In contrast, these associations were magnified among European Americans reporting high levels of relationship quality and low levels of co-rumination. The findings suggest that the ameliorative benefits of supportive family relationships among youth experiencing racism in the community may vary by ethnicity. Show more