May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we believe it is important to acknowledge and support everyone living with mental illness, including survivors of sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking. Trauma from sexual violence can have profound negative impacts on a survivor’s social, emotional, and mental well-being. Survivors often develop mental health problems including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among many others.
Below are a list of resources that focus on trauma and mental health among community college students. While sexual violence victimization at community colleges remains an understudied topic, these articles help to demonstrate the negative impacts trauma of any kind can have on a student’s ability to continue their education.
- An Examination of Campus Climate for LGBTQ Community College Students
This study found that first-generation LGBTQ students experience a more hostile climate on community college campuses compared to non-LGBTQ students. The authors offer potential best practices for working with LGBTQ college students. - The Mental Health Status of Single-Parent Community College Students in California
Single parent students face unique challenges that can adversely affect their mental health. Researchers examined a community college population to examine the association between single parenting and negative mental health. Their findings show that single parents face a higher prevalence of mental health stressors than other community college students. - Prevalence and Effects of Life Event Exposure Among Undergraduate and Community College Students
This study assessed the connection between lifetime and recent exposure to a range of potentially traumatic events and a broad range of outcomes (mental and physical health, life satisfaction, grade point average) among undergraduate and community college students. Results indicate that community college students in particular are in need of outreach regarding exposure to stressful events and potentially traumatic events. - Prevalence of Probable Mental Disorders and Help Seeking Behaviors among Veteran and Non-veteran Community College Students
This study found high rates of mental illness among veteran and non-veteran community college students, which can have negative consequences for academic achievement, employment, substance misuse, and social relationships. The results highlight the need to connect community college students with effective mental health services. - School Sabotage as a Form of Intimate Partner Violence: Provider Perspectives
This study examined school sabotage as a form of economic abuse among community college students. Their findings emphasize the importance for faculty, staff, and IPV service providers on community college campuses to recognize school as a place where coercive control can be exercised, even if the abusive partner does not attend school. - Trauma and Psychological Distress Among Ethnically Diverse Community College Students
This study found high rates of past interpersonal trauma among a sample of community college students, which has been linked to psychological and physical distress and lower academic performance.
We hope you will read these articles and utilize the Resource Guide for additional information related to these topics. Together, we can end the stigma surrounding mental health and support survivors on their journey to healing.
