Depression has several different factors that contribute to its prevalence among college students. As discussed in my previous entry, the most notable factors being social circumstances. The standard loneliness and hopelessness isn't the only issue, however. In fact, there are several issues beyond the economic factors that contribute to the prevalence of depression.
Among the environmental determinants, one factor that appeared in the Furr article was the effect on the actual type of school at which the student attended. According to the data, the social and economic determinants intertwined with the environmental. Those attending large community colleges expressed income as the major cause in their depression. From campus to campus, loneliness is a major issue because of the institution's ability to fund and maintain extracurricular on campus groups to promote a sense on belonging among students on the campus.
Other specifically social and cultural factors would be the race and genders of students at college. The prevalence of self-harm was greater among men than women. Asian Americans expressed a much greater prevalence of depression in their sample population. The differences among other races were not noted as significant. The article put forward "self-silencing" as a major factor for both genders, which is the extreme internalization of emotion and needs before those of others. The key determinants that can be gathered from this data are the race of the college student and the gender of the student. These however, are the main two key determinants that are gathered from the given data. They can be further expressed by looking at the reasons behind why there is a difference among these sample populations. The kind of parents of these students, their culture of they come, the expectations of the families , and even the expectations of society. All of these factors play a role in depression's prevalence among students.
References:
References:
Furr, Susan R., John S. Westefeld, Gaye N. McConnell, and J. M. Jenkins. "Suicide and Depression among College Students: A Decade Later." Professional Psychology (2000): n. pag. EBSCOhost. Web. 6 Apr. 2013.
Gratch, Linda V., Margaret E. Bassett, and Sharon L. Attra. "The Relationship Of Gender And Ethnicity To Self-Silencing And Depression Among College Students." Psychology of Women Quaterly 19.509 (1995): n. pag. SAGE. Web. 06 Apr. 2013.
Jeffery,
ReplyDeleteGreat article as always. I'm glad the type of school has an impact on how depressed students are... I'm sure Johns Hopkins is really high on the list. Also, great job with finally presenting an article that I could read without having to decode anything :) Also great problem definition. Do you think you the year of the college student could influence how stressed they are?
Finally, we have a problem definition. Congratulations. It is a good one. It is not necessary to start with 'studies show....' You can start with 'High prevalence...'
ReplyDeleteI see many categories of determinants highlighted in your article, which is great. it was hard though to follow your trend of thought from time to time.
What is it about income in those attending large community colleges that makes them prone to depression?
Otherwise, I think you were able to touch on several categories of determinants which is a great start. A little editing when writing your paper will better communicate the points you are making.