Date of Award
6-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Public Health
Department
Health Science and Human Ecology
First Reader/Committee Chair
Becerra, Monideepa, DrPH,MPH, CHES
Abstract
Objective: The goal of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the relationship between mental health, discrimination, and self-esteem among college students. To further explore this concept, focus group interviews were conducted as a follow up.
Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a total of five existing literatures was systematically analyzed. Data analytic tables were used to collect information on population and study characteristics for the first part. The focus groups were transcribed verbatim and results were thematically analyzed to identify emergent constructs.
Results: There is a substantial relationship between mental health and discrimination among college students, especially within minority groups. There was a difference in self-esteem within the Asian population when utilizing family support, which affected these students’ psychological distress in regards to perceived racial discrimination. Discrimination was associated with physiological distress within the Latino population, and African Americans obtained the highest mean perceived stigma. Focus group results were confirmed similar trends. Students of African American, Asian, and Latino groups shared the same discriminatory experiences when being of darker skin color. For example, a student said, “One time during class we were choosing groups and I heard people say that the Saudi Arabs are lazy and only cheat.” “It made me feel so iv low.” “No one asked me to be in their groups.” As such, it can be seen that such discriminatory acts can negatively impact students’ self-esteem.
Conclusion: The results of the study highlight the need for more public health initiative to address mental health and discrimination among college students and how it affects their self-esteem negatively, especially within minority populations.
Recommended Citation
Mahoney, Cindy, ""WE'VE ALWAYS BEEN LIKE KIND OF KICKED TO THE CURB." A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS ON EXPERIENCES OF DISCRIMINATION AND ITS EFFECT ON SELF-ESTEEM AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS" (2019). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 913.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/913