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Depression rates in LGBTQIA+ students are three times higher than their peers, new research suggests

Research published in the Journal of American College Health reveals that LGBTQIA+ students experience alarmingly high rates of depression. The study, which analyzed data from 483,574 responses to the Healthy Minds Study, found that LGBTQIA+ students were three times more likely to report depression than their cisgender peers.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of American College Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 13, 2024

Students who feel more university connection may be more likely to binge drink

A new study by Penn State researchers found that students who feel a sense of belonging at their university are more likely to binge drink than those who do not. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 university students, suggests that feeling connected to the university is associated with higher rates of substance use.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateOct 10, 2024

WVU researchers say colleges barred from throwing money at student-athletes are offering them multimillion-dollar coaches instead

Researchers found that colleges offer multimillion-dollar coaches instead of throwing money at student-athletes, leading to an arms race in athletics. The study revealed a significant correlation between head coach salaries and team recruitment success, with higher salaries associated with better teams and more victories.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalApplied Economics·DateSep 23, 2024

‘Floating duck syndrome’ tricks people into working hard but failing to achieve their goals

A study found that 'floating duck syndrome', where individuals present themselves as effortlessly high-achieving, leads to underinvestment of effort towards goals and spreading oneself too thinly. This phenomenon is exacerbated by social media platforms and institutional public relations, causing individuals to invest too much total ef...

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2024

Pairing shelter dogs has ‘pawsitive’ results

A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that shelter dogs paired with suitable companions exhibited reduced stress levels and were adopted more quickly. The findings suggest that matching dogs with compatible roommates could alleviate stress and improve their adoptability, leading to better outcomes for animal shelters.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2024

Study shows how higher education supports Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students through culturally relevant courses, programs, and research

A new study by NYU reveals that minority-serving institutions on the East and West Coasts build students' capacities through AA&NHPI focused coursework, teaching and mentoring, advanced research development, and professional community experience. These programs provide critical resources to uplift underrepresented students.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Review of Higher Education·TypeCase study·DateApr 30, 2024

A university lecture, with a dash of jumping jacks

A study by Ohio State University professor Scott Hayes found that incorporating five-minute exercise breaks into lectures can improve students' attention, motivation, and peer engagement. Students reported positive impacts on their course enjoyment and even designed creative exercise sessions, such as a 'picking apples' theme.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

Study: Suicides among college athletes doubled in 20 years

A study found that the number of U.S. collegiate athletes who died by suicide doubled between 2002 and 2022, accounting for a greater portion of total deaths. Athletes' mental health issues were attributed to pressures such as school expectations, performance demands, and social media scrutiny.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2024

It’s not a hookup: Research reveals what college students mean when they say they’re ‘just talking’

Researchers at Binghamton University found that college students' term 'just talking' refers to building intimacy in a stigmatized environment. The study revealed that romance is more important to emerging adults than expected, and people who engage in 'just talking' often communicate via smartphones and social media.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalEmerging Adulthood·DateMar 19, 2024

Study tracks shifts in student mental health during college

A four-year study by Dartmouth researchers tracks changes in student mental health during college, identifying key populations and stressors. The study found that first-year and female students are at risk for high anxiety and low self-esteem, while sophomores experience increased social activity but higher stress levels.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2024

Genetic “protection” against depression was no match for pandemic stress

A study of first-year college students reveals that pandemic stress triggers a rise in clinical depression, even among those with genetic factors that previously shielded them. The research identifies potential predictors of psychological resilience and provides a tool to identify at-risk students for targeted support.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2023

Riding the whims of the wind

Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Modelling·DateNov 30, 2023

STEM Career Days boost high school students’ career aspirations in STEM fields, MU study finds

A new MU study shows that high school students who attended college-run STEM Career Days were far more likely to have STEM-related career aspirations than those who did not attend. The study highlights the benefits of introducing high school students to STEM opportunities and can help increase diversity in the STEM workforce.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·TypeSurvey·DateNov 6, 2023

UTSA researchers receive $3.6 million National Science Foundation grant to break down language barriers in engineering education

Researchers Joel Mejia and M. Sidury Christiansen are developing a handbook of recommended pedagogical approaches to address exclusionary language in engineering classes. They aim to improve the sense of belonging among multilingual students pursuing STEM careers by guiding faculty on strategies for changing biased language practices.

Depression, anxiety common among college students

A recent study from the University of Georgia found that depression rates were significantly higher among students who were not the same race as their peers at predominantly white colleges. First-generation students also experienced higher levels of depression compared to non-first generation students. Investing in diversity, equity, a...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateOct 17, 2023

Poor time management causes poor sleep for college students

Research conducted at the University of Alabama found that more than 65% of college students experience poor sleep quality, largely due to lack of effective time management. A study published in the American Journal of Health Education revealed that prioritizing organization and setting goals significantly impact overall sleep health.

SourceUniversity of Alabama in Tuscaloosa·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Education·TypeSurvey·DateAug 8, 2023

Sports media use linked to belief in rape myths

A recent study found that young men who regularly consume sports media are more likely to accept rape myths, even after accounting for negative masculine norms. The researchers suggest that the production of sports media around athletic events contributes to this connection, portraying men as hyper-masculine aggressors and women as tro...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateAug 7, 2023

In states that legalized cannabis, frequent cannabis use became more common in young adults who are not in college, OSU study finds

An Oregon State University study found that young adults not in college became more frequent users of cannabis and met criteria for cannabis use disorder after state legalization. The prevalence of frequent cannabis use increased by 5 percentage points among non-college young adults, while college students saw a smaller increase.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2023

Young adult women may be more likely to engage in risky behavior when descending stairs than young adult men

An observational study of college students found that young women are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like multitasking and conversation while descending stairs. This is compared to young men who were less likely to engage in these behaviors, suggesting that women may be more distracted while descending stairs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2023

Pusan National University researcher investigates instruction-giving in video-mediated second language learning

A study by Pusan National University researcher Eunseok Ro examines the shift in instruction-giving practices for a book club conducted via video conference. As the facilitator adapts to the new virtual environment, she gradually changes her approach, adopting more recipient-designed and diversified instruction delivery.

SourcePusan National University·JournalComputer Assisted Language Learning·TypeObservational study·DateJul 6, 2023

During Operation Guardian of the Walls, residents of the south suffered significantly greater physiological and mental harm than the rest of the population

Residents of southern Israel suffered significantly greater physiological and mental harm than others, with spikes in heart rate and stress, reduced sleep duration, and decreased physical activity. Women, young people, and those living near Gaza paid the heaviest price, with notable differences in screen time, mood, and quality of sleep.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateJul 4, 2023