Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

McAllister, Carolyn

Abstract

This research project proposal looked at the impact of depression on the academic achievement of Hispanic college students in the United States. Depression is a significant mental health disorder, as it affects emerging adults, particularly college students trying to find their way and understand the academic and social challenges that come along with attending college. Research in the past has established a strong relationship between depression and a decrease in academic performance. However, there have been a limited amount of studies addressing this correlation between mental health and academic performance among Hispanic college students, a growing demographic within higher education. Common stressors experienced by the Hispanic college student population such as cultural expectations, perceived discrimination, racial bias, and socioeconomic challenges, can lead to depressive symptoms being exacerbated thus negatively affecting academic success. This research project proposal would aim to fill gaps in the existing literature by exploring deeper into how depression affects Hispanic students’ academic success while taking into consideration the intersectional identities and cultural influences of Hispanic college students. This research project's findings could help highlight the need for culturally competent mental health interventions and resources that could help create a more inclusive and supportive education environment for Hispanic college students.

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