A Longitudinal Investigation of Emotional Health Among Male and Female First-Year College Students

Abstract

This study explored men's and women's emotional health during the first college year and identified college environments and experiences associated with changes in emotional health for both groups. The sample included 17,331 first-year college students who were surveyed in fall 2000 and spring 2001 at 50 institutions nationwide. Findings revealed declining levels of self-rated emotional health in the first year of college and suggested that emotional well-being is associated with peer relationships, academic success and, for women, family relationships.