Bolstering the Mental Health of Students at HBCUs and PBIs

Introduction

• Funded by UNCF (United Negro College Fund).
• Focus: Mental health at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs).
• Goal: Address research gaps, share evidence-based practices, develop programming to support student well-being.
• Conducted at 16 HBCUs and 2 PBIs.
• Acknowledgment of key partners: Healthy Minds Study team and Steve Fund.

Leadership Message

• HBCUs have historically supported the social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being of students.
• Emphasis on understanding and improving the mental health of HBCU students through rigorous research.
• Encouragement for stakeholders to advance practices supporting student mental health.

Research Context

• HBCUs have been crucial for Black American empowerment, offering education, and community-building.
• Mental health reporting has increased significantly; COVID-19 exacerbated issues.
• Focus on unique challenges at HBCUs, less research on their role in mental health.

Key Study Takeaways

• HBCU students generally have better mental health outcomes compared to peers at predominantly white institutions (PWIs).
• HBCU students report feeling a greater sense of belonging.
• Students at HBCUs experience less loneliness, anxiety, and substance abuse.
• Financial stress is a major mental health challenge for HBCU students.

Research Findings

Mental Health Status

• HBCU students reported higher flourishing rates than national samples.
• Greater sense of belonging and less loneliness compared to peers.
• Lower rates of anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use.

Financial Stress Impact

• Financial stress significantly impacts mental health.
• Higher stress linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
• Financial education could help alleviate stress.

Service Utilization

• HBCU students have lower rates of mental health treatment.
• Many rely on off-campus mental health support.
• High levels of unmet mental health needs.

Discussion

• HBCU Effect: Positive mental health outcomes linked to supportive environments.
• Cultural and community support at HBCUs boosts mental resilience.
• Financial stress and stigma are barriers to mental health support.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Expand Black College Mental Health module in research.
• Collect comprehensive demographic data.
• Explore intersecting factors impacting mental health.
• Conduct longitudinal studies to track trends and intervention impacts.
• Address financial stress through education and support systems.
• Enhance campus mental health resources and support networks.

Conclusion

• HBCUs play a vital role in supporting Black students' mental health.
• Greater focus on financial, cultural, and institutional supports needed to further improve mental health outcomes.
• Ongoing research and initiatives are crucial for fostering environments where all students can thrive.