The impact of political climate on the mental health of LGBTQIA+ college students

Abstract

Objective: Examine the impact of political climate on the mental health of LGBTQIA+ college students, focusing on the relationship between political conservatism, depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Participants: Data were sourced from the 2023–2024 Healthy Minds Study (HMS), analyzing responses from 69,516 college students aged 18–25, of whom 30.5% identified as LGBTQIA+. Methods: Mental health outcomes were measured using the PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety. Suicidality was measured using three Likert-scaled questions. A political climate variable was created based on gubernatorial, senatorial, and presidential electoral outcomes. Hierarchical regression examined relationships between political conservatism and LGBTQIA+ mental health outcomes. Results: LGBTQIA+ students in conservative states exhibited significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Political climate moderated the relationship between LGBTQIA+ status and depression. Conclusions: Political climate plays a critical role in LGBTQIA+ students’ well-being. Institutions should implement inclusive policies to mitigate adverse mental health effects.