Exploring Stigma and Social Isolation Among College Students and Opportunity Youth
Disciplines
Developmental Psychology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Background: While the majority of U.S. young adults pursue further education post-high school (62% as of 2021; NCES, 2023), approximately 16.4% of U.S. youth are opportunity youth (OY) – youth 16 to 24 years old who are not in employment, education, or training (OECD, 2023). Prior studies have established both college students and OY as populations at higher risk for mental health and substance use problems (Kovess-Masfety et al., 2016). However, research suggests certain marginalized groups have higher OY representation (Lewis, 2020), with socioeconomic status playing a significant role (Belfield et al., 2012). Limited research exists on the developmental mechanisms behind these disparities.
Objective: The objective of this qualitative study is to explore experiences of stigma, discrimination, social isolation, and loneliness among a sample of young adults who undertook normative (college) versus non-normative (OY) transitions to adulthood.
Methods: OY aged 18-24 were recruited via social media advertising targeting the Atlanta metro area, and college students were recruited using digital advertisements at Kennesaw State University. Prospective participants completed a screening survey, and eligible participants were invited for a virtual interview using a structured interview guide ($30 remuneration). This study is ongoing, with coding commencing in tandem with continued interviews. Thematic analysis will be employed to identify and analyze emergent themes from the collected data.
Results: Based on initial interviews (n = 10), several themes regarding stigma and social isolation have emerged, including: familial support (or lack thereof), self-perception, and agency. In this presentation, we will share preliminary findings regarding experiences of stigma and social isolation as described by college students versus OY.
Conclusion: Better understanding mechanisms (like stigma and social isolation) of young adult mental health disparities may improve practices and policies to prevent and intervene upon young adult mental health problems, considering the unique experiences of this developmental time.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Psychological Science
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Chanler Hilley
Exploring Stigma and Social Isolation Among College Students and Opportunity Youth
Background: While the majority of U.S. young adults pursue further education post-high school (62% as of 2021; NCES, 2023), approximately 16.4% of U.S. youth are opportunity youth (OY) – youth 16 to 24 years old who are not in employment, education, or training (OECD, 2023). Prior studies have established both college students and OY as populations at higher risk for mental health and substance use problems (Kovess-Masfety et al., 2016). However, research suggests certain marginalized groups have higher OY representation (Lewis, 2020), with socioeconomic status playing a significant role (Belfield et al., 2012). Limited research exists on the developmental mechanisms behind these disparities.
Objective: The objective of this qualitative study is to explore experiences of stigma, discrimination, social isolation, and loneliness among a sample of young adults who undertook normative (college) versus non-normative (OY) transitions to adulthood.
Methods: OY aged 18-24 were recruited via social media advertising targeting the Atlanta metro area, and college students were recruited using digital advertisements at Kennesaw State University. Prospective participants completed a screening survey, and eligible participants were invited for a virtual interview using a structured interview guide ($30 remuneration). This study is ongoing, with coding commencing in tandem with continued interviews. Thematic analysis will be employed to identify and analyze emergent themes from the collected data.
Results: Based on initial interviews (n = 10), several themes regarding stigma and social isolation have emerged, including: familial support (or lack thereof), self-perception, and agency. In this presentation, we will share preliminary findings regarding experiences of stigma and social isolation as described by college students versus OY.
Conclusion: Better understanding mechanisms (like stigma and social isolation) of young adult mental health disparities may improve practices and policies to prevent and intervene upon young adult mental health problems, considering the unique experiences of this developmental time.