Depressive symptom changes over time among first-generation students of color: applying intersectional quantitative methods.

Authors

Kimberly Wu, Dovile Vilda, W Marcus Lambert, Christine M Arcari, Shokufeh Ramirez, Katherine P Theall

Published in

Journal of American college health : J of ACH. Pages 1-11. Sep 20, 2026. Epub Sep 20, 2026.

Abstract

To examine depressive symptom trajectories among first-generation students of color compared to White first-generation and non-first-generation students. We also assess the influence of gender and stressors across adolescence, college, and post-college periods.
A sample of 3,950 individuals from three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health).
A quantitative intersectional approach was applied using multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (MAIHDA) and generalized estimating equations (GEE) to assess depressive symptom trajectories across 20 intersecting social strata.
Intersectional effects were highest during adolescence (PCV = 79.50%) and decreased over time. First-generation students reported fewer depressive symptoms in adolescence and college but higher levels post-college, particularly among Black first-generation students.
Findings underscore the need for early, intersectional interventions and sustained institutional support to address structural inequities and promote long-term mental health among marginalized first-generation populations.

PMID:
42763947
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 21 Sep 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.