https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3076-1882
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Abstract
Objective
Prior research suggests that social connectedness is associated with lower levels of depression among college students. The aim of this exploratory study was to determine if an association existed between social activity, need to belong, and depression. Variations in study measures by race, gender, and student status were also explored.
Participants
Data was collected from students attending a large university in the southeastern United States during the Spring 2019 academic semester (N = 299).
Methods
Participants completed an anonymous self-administered survey, which was offered in both electronic and paper formats.
Results
Need to belong significantly predicted depression among college students even when accounting for social activity and response bias. Study measures varied significantly based on race, gender, and student status.
Conclusion
Belonging and social connectedness may be utilized by collegiate stakeholders to increase student and university outcomes.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the faculty, staff, and students at the participating university for their assistance and cooperation throughout study development and facilitation. The authors would also like to thank all professionals in the fields of health, education, and research, for without their work this study would not have been possible.
Conflict of interest disclosure
The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. This study was reviewed and approved by the university’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) (IRB project #H19313) and all legal/ethical guidelines were adhered to. No outside funding was used to support this research. Any costs incurred relating to research activities and/or incentive distributions were self-funded by the lead author.
Funding
No external funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.