Date of Award
12-2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Social Sciences
Committee Chair/Advisor
Sarah Winslow
Committee Member
Tony Cawthon
Committee Member
Brian Miller
Abstract
This study explores the relationship between gender identity, challenges experienced by students, psychological distress, and suicide behavior for undergraduate students in the United States of America. The quantitative analysis utilizing the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment from Fall 2019, Spring 2020 and Fall 2020. The sample consisted of 78,296 undergraduate participants of which 65.9% identified as female, 30.5% identified as male, and 3.6% identified as non-binary students. The statistical analysis consisted of a multiple regression model controlling for variables of institution type. The major finding of this study is that non-binary undergraduate students had greater psychological distress scores and suicide behavior scores compared to their female and male peers. There is also a strong relationship between experiences with a cause for challenge and both psychological distress and suicide behavior.
Recommended Citation
McNamara, McKenzie, "Gender Identity and Mental Health Among Undergraduate Students in the United States" (2021). All Theses. 3686.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/3686