ERIC Number: EJ1469972
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0897-5264
EISSN: EISSN-1543-3382
Available Date: 0000-00-00
The Role of Trauma, Mental Health Symptoms, and Suicidality in College Adjustment among Young Adults with a Foster Care Background
Jennifer M. Geiger; Colleen C. Katz
Journal of College Student Development, v66 n2 p160-173 2025
College is associated with positive outcomes in adulthood. However, many students with foster care backgrounds face challenges transitioning into college settings. Young adults with foster care backgrounds also experience mental health conditions and suicidal ideation at a higher rate than their same aged peers. This study examined the relationship between trauma experiences, mental health symptomology, suicidal behaviors and college adjustment among a sample of college students with a foster care background. Findings indicated that depressive symptoms were associated with educational functioning and psychological functioning; and anxiety symptoms and the impact of childhood trauma were associated with relational functioning. This study's findings have implications for student affairs staff working with students with a foster care background prior to enrollment and while students are on campus. Practitioners should ensure adequate trauma-informed assessment, treatment, and focus on students' mental health while in college to promote overall well-being and college retention and success.
Descriptors: Trauma, Mental Health, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Suicide, Student Adjustment, College Students, Young Adults, Foster Care, Depression (Psychology), Anxiety, Early Experience, Student Personnel Services, Student Personnel Workers, Trauma Informed Approach, Well Being, School Holding Power, Academic Persistence, Predictor Variables
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A