Comparison of anxiety and depression rates among LGBTQ college students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective

To compare rates of anxiety and depression among LGBTQ college students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine pandemic-related stressors and protective factors.

Participants

Two cohorts of LGBTQ college students, aged 18–25, sampled before (N = 3,484) and during (N = 1,647) the pandemic.

Methods

The Healthy Minds Study (HMS) is an annual mental health survey administered to college students in the United States, which included additional items related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Mean anxiety symptoms were significantly lower mid-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic, but no differences in mean depressive symptoms were detected. Results varied by sexual and gender minority status. Financial stress, pandemic-related concerns, and witnessing discrimination were risk factors while academic persistence, positive mental health, and formal support were protective factors.

Conclusions

Mental health and instrumental support from institutions will be critical for college students during the pandemic. Affirming and empowering spaces for LGBTQ college students may leverage protective factors.

Keywords:

• College students
• COVID-19
• LGBTQ
• mental health

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their gratitude to participants for their generous contributions to the study during a stressful time. We also thank the Healthy Minds Network for their guidance, consultation, and collaboration on this article.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of United States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of University of Michigan.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.