LGBTQIA+ students in conservative states report worse mental health
LGBTQIA+ college students in conservative states report higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Why it matters
- Highlights the impact of political climate on mental health.
- Shows disparities in mental health based on geographic and political contexts.
By the numbers
- 36.2% of LGBTQIA+ students in conservative states reported moderate to severe depression vs. 28.3% in liberal states.
- 27.7% in conservative states reported severe anxiety vs. 21.8% in liberal states.
- 15.1% in conservative states had made a suicide plan in the past year vs. 11.4% in liberal states.
The big picture
- Political climate affects mental health.
- Lack of support and discriminatory policies contribute to poorer mental health outcomes.
What they're saying
- Personal anecdotes highlight the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in conservative areas.
- Some commenters express anger towards conservative policies, suggesting they contribute to poor mental health outcomes.
Caveats
- Cross-sectional data (one point in time).
- Self-reported symptoms, not clinical diagnoses.
- Broad categorization of states as liberal or conservative.
What’s next
- Colleges need to implement more inclusive policies.
- Mental health support tailored to LGBTQIA+ experiences is crucial.