Flourishing among young adult college students in the United States: sexual/gender and racial/ethnic disparities

This paper sought to provide a fuller picture of mental health and wellness by examining flourishing among young adult college students, focusing on potential disparities. I analyzed data from the Healthy Minds Study (2020-2021; N = 115,225). About one-in-three students in the sample reported flourishing. Logistic regression models showed transgender/nonbinary/other gender (aOR:0.48; 95%CI: 0.41-0.56), sexual minority (aOR:0.39; 95%CI: 0.37-0.42), Asian American (aOR:0.76; 95%CI: 0.70-0.83), and Multiracial students (aOR:0.91; 95%CI: 0.84-0.99) each had lower odds flourishing when compared with their respective reference groups, while Black students had greater odds of flourishing (aOR:1.36; 95%CI: 1.23-1.51). Flourishing disparities are evident, calling for targeted interventions.

Automated summary

This study provides a comprehensive picture of mental health and wellness among young adult college students by examining flourishing and its disparities. The analysis of a large dataset shows that transgender/nonbinary/other gender, sexual minority, Asian American, and Multiracial students have lower odds of flourishing, while Black students have greater odds of flourishing. These disparities in flourishing call for targeted interventions.