Demographic and Emotional Support Predictors of Academic Distress Among U.S. Military and Non-Military Students in Counseling

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study analyzed secondary data of U.S. military students (N = 3,318) and non-military college students (N = 3,318) who received counseling during 2016–2018 to determine predictors of academic distress. In the military student group, demographic variables explained 5% of the variance in academic distress. Previously taking medications for mental health concerns and experiencing trauma also predicted higher levels of academic distress for military students. In the non-military student group, demographic variables explained 3% of the variance in academic distress. Previously taking medications for mental health concerns also predicted higher levels of academic distress for non-military students. Emotional support from family and friends explained additional variance in academic distress for both groups. When combining the groups, predictors related to higher levels of academic distress were previously taking medications for mental health concerns and disability status. Adding interactions between military status and all other predictors explained 8% of the variance in academic distress. The military status and race/ethnicity interaction was also significant.