The emotional health of 2010 freshmen college students has dropped to its lowest level since the survey began 25 years ago, according to the annual Cooperative Institutional Research Program Freshman Survey.
The survey, conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA’s Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, found 51.9 percent of college freshmen students describe their emotional health as “above average”. It’s a stark contrast from the 63.6 percent of freshmen who reported having a high level of emotional health in 1985, when the study was first conducted.
The percentage of students in 2010 who reported a high level of emotional health is also 3.4 percent lower than the students who reported high levels in 2009.
CIRP Assistant Director for Research Linda DeAngelo said there are many reasons to explain the difference between the 2010 results and past results.
“The biggest change is the continuing effects of the current economic situation and it seems to be affecting emotional health in comparison to these student’s peers,” DeAngelo said.
DeAngelo also said a greater desire among students to succeed could influence the higher stress levels.
“One of the things we talk about are that students today want to have the best college experience they can have and they have a high drive to achieve,” DeAngelo said. “All these things contribute to low levels of emotional health.”
Freshman Samantha Janas agreed with DeAngelo’s statement, and said classes, extracurricular activities and a job have created a great deal of stress in her life.
“I don’t have to do those things, but I want to because everyone is fighting for high grades and great resumes,” Janas said.
Freshman Maggie Turnage, said the results of the study were no surprise to her.
“Freshman year has been the most stressful year of my life so far,” Turnage said. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve been this far away from my family, friends and loved ones.”
Miguel Ayllon, Residence Hall Coordinator of South Hall, said it is common for him to help freshmen students who are feeling overwhelmed by college.
“Every year I have a steady amount of students struggling,” Ayllon said. “It’s pretty typical.”
Ayllon said he believes the best way to help students who are feeling stressed by college is to talk with them about their feelings.
“I think the number one thing is to offer care and listen to their concerns,” Miguel said. “The best thing they can do is to try to connect with people on campus and get involved, which will definitely lower stress.”
DeAngelo said she hopes the research will help make college less stressful for students.
“The purpose of the study is to help institutions better serve the students and the needs of these students,” DeAngelo said.
Despite all the stress of freshmen year, Turnage said coming to MU has been worth it.
“As time goes by it becomes easier and easier,” Turnage said. “Mizzou has become my home.”