Leaving College Prematurely

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the experiences of former nontraditional-age students with depression and reasons that led them to leave college prematurely. Constant comparative methods were used to illuminate themes within and across participants' stories. The findings showcase eight complex interlocking factors that these former students grapple with in pursuit of a college education. Implications to improve the retention of nontraditional college students with depression are discussed. Keywords students with disabilities, college student retention, depression Depression is a prevalent mental health problem among college students. Ibrahim, Kelly, Adams, and Glazebrook (2013) conducted a meta-analysis of studies done between 1990 and 2010 on the rates of depression among university students and reported a prevalence rate range of 10% to 85%, with a weighted mean prevalence of 30.6%. The authors attributed the wide range to variances in the measuring tools, sample sizes, and time periods of the studies. They concluded that

Costs and Benefits of Undergraduates Revealing Depression to Online Science Instructors

“…, 2013 ). Nontraditional students who had depression and left college prematurely noted that some instructors were dismissive after learning of their depression, which contributed to their decisions to leave their undergraduate programs ( Thompson-Ebanks, 2017 ). To our knowledge, the only studies examining the impact of students revealing their depression specifically in academic science environments have been conducted in the context of undergraduate and graduate research experiences ( Cooper et al ., 2020c ; Wiesenthal, N. J., Gin, L. E., & Cooper, K. M., unpublished data]).…”

Depression, fitness, and student willingness to pursue university counseling and alternative antidepressant options

“…[ 5 ] MH disorders, including depression, can negatively impact academic performance[ 6 ] and reduce persistence to graduate. [ 7 ] Therefore, the pursuit of practical and effective antidepressant interventions for university students is a considerable priority.…”

Estimated Cardiorespiratory Fitness Is Associated With Reported Depression in College Students

“…From 2013 to 2016, depression affected 8.1% of American adults of which 80% reported a reduced capacity to perform their usual activities (Brody, 2018). Compared to the general public, college students are over three times more likely to report moderate to severe depression (8.1% vs. 30.1%, respectively) (Ibrahim et al, 2013; Brody, 2018) which was associated with poor academic performance and early withdrawal from college (Hysenbegasi et al, 2005; Thompson-Ebanks, 2016). Unfortunately, many students do not seek treatment for their symptoms (Downs and Eisenberg, 2012).…”