I Graduated, What's Next: Examining the Differences between HBCUs and PWIs and Their Effectiveness on Minimizing Depression, Stress, and Anxiety for African American First-Generation Graduates

The primary objective of this study was to examine the differences between historically black colleges and universities and predominately white institutions, and their effectiveness on minimizing depression, stress, and anxiety for African American first-generation graduates. The second objective was to examine the unique advantages that HBCUs offer African American first-generation students after graduation. African American first-generation students experience racial discrimination and isolation at PWIs. Contrarily, HBCUs provide a safe haven for African American first-generation students so they can feel comfortable enough to thrive in their endeavors. The participants were 206 (n=206) African American first-generation recent graduates who attended HBCUs or PWIs in the United States. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used to measure depression, anxiety, and stress among the recent graduates. Findings concluded that there is no statistically significant difference between HBCUs and PWIs on PHQ9 scores, GAD-7 scores, and PSS scores. The results suggest that recent African American first-generation graduates experience depression, anxiety, and stress despite the institution type they attended. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]