Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

College

College of Applied Human Sciences

Department

Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling & Counseling Psychology

Committee Chair

Lisa Platt

Committee Member

Frankie Tack

Committee Member

Erin Brock-Carlson

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence of eating concerns and nonsuicidal self-injurious behaviors (NSSIB) in college students seeking services at college and university counseling centers (UCCs), focusing on whether sexual minority students experience these issues at higher rates than their heterosexual peers. Eating concerns and NSSIB are understudied among sexual minority individuals. Previous research has demonstrated that through prejudice, stigma, and social stress, sexual minority individuals may be at a higher risk of developing mental health concerns and conditions than their heterosexual counterparts. The present study used a cross-sectional design to examine data from a sample of collegiate clients nationwide. Data was collected from clients upon intake at college and university counseling centers participating in Penn State University’s Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH) during the 2020-2021 academic year. This study aimed to contribute to the existing literature on health disparities in marginalized populations by examining differences between sexual orientation groups on eating concerns and NSSIB. Control variables identified were race, age, gender identity, and relationship status. Findings from this study showed a significant relationship between eating concerns and non-heterosexual identities. Findings also revealed a significant relationship between NSSIB and non-heterosexual identities. The findings of this study contribute to a growing but still widely understudied area of literature. This study contributes to the increasing body of evidence underscoring the unique mental health needs of sexual minority college students.

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