Structural Pathways Between Social Support and Mental Health Among STEM Students: Implications for College Student Psychotherapy

Abstract

ABSTRACT An abundance of academic resources exists for supporting college students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors. However, the dearth of research on supporting STEM students’ mental health is concerning, as STEM students face unique risks for mental health distress and utilize mental health services at lower rates than their counterparts. To begin addressing this gap in the literature, we found statistically significant structural links from STEM students’ perceived social support from friends and family to increases in their mental health. Results also revealed that male STEM students self-reported higher levels of mental health than female students. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for practice, including how college counselors and psychotherapists can use social support as one method for supporting STEM students’ mental health.