Extracurricular Involvement, Homesickness, and Depressive Symptoms Among Underrepresented College Students

Abstract

The current study investigated the potential of extracurricular involvement during the first year of college to attenuate depressive symptoms via decreases in homesickness among underrepresented (i.e., first generation, underrepresented ethnic/racial minority, and low income) students attending an elite, predominantly White institution (PWI). Participants were 340 students ( M age = 18.11, SD = .37). Extracurricular involvement, homesickness, depressive symptoms, and demographic information were self-reported during the fall and spring semesters. Results indicated that extracurricular involvement was negatively associated with depressive symptoms in the fall of underrepresented students' first year of college. In the spring semester, the association between homesickness and depressive symptoms was mediated by decreases in homesickness. Findings suggest extracurricular participation may facilitate psychologically healthy adjustment to PWIs among underrepresented students.