This study investigates the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health among a sample of college students. It also explores whether health behaviors and social suppo...

The current study examined the therapeutic utility of creative endeavors for the reduction of anxiety among undergraduate college students enrolled in a public university in the United States. Students were randomly assigned to participate in one of three conditions: an individual art project (n = 30), a group art project (n = 30), or a non-art control project (n = 30). An overall within-subjects effect of anxiety was noted in which participants reported reduced anxiety levels following intervention. A statistical interaction showed that anxiety was reduced by both individual and group arts interventions, but not by the control condition in which participants completed puzzles. The extent of anxiety reduction did not differ between the individual and group conditions. In conclusion, although presently underutilized, arts interventions may be a viable form of anxiety-reduction among college students.

Hispanic/Latino (H/L) vs. European American (EA) perceptions of current and ideal body image as well as body dissatisfaction were examined in 416 adolescents aged 12-15 years. Gender, culture, and body mass index (BMI) were hypothesized to affect measures of self-perceived body image and dissatisfaction differentially. Participants completed a computerized survey with gender-specific versions of applicable test items. Overall, body dissatisfaction (BD) was higher among EAs vs. H/Ls, females vs. males, and unhealthy BMI vs. healthy BMI (p<.01). A gender x ethnicity interaction trend was also noted (p>.06), in which BD was highest among EA females, followed by H/L females, EA males, and H/L males. Results suggest that gender and cultural differences in body image among adolescents are significant. This study is an important step toward clarifying the nature of weight-related health risks facing the understudied population of Hispanic/Latino teens.

Objective:College students’ reliance on social media is both a risk factor for alcohol-related problems and a possible avenue for intervention. Greater understanding of students’ social media habits in relation to drinking may lead to more effective prevention efforts. This study examined the use of alcohol and social media in Hispanic and non-Hispanic college students with and without a history of binge drinking.Method:Participants (N = 424; age 18–25; 84% female) completed online surveys of alcohol use, intensity of use for Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, social media addiction, and retrospective frequency of social media use while drinking and after intoxication.Results:Historical binge drinkers had greater intensity scores for Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter, and were more likely to report using social media and alcohol concurrently, even while intoxicated (ps < .05). Compared with Hispanics, non-Hispanics exhibited greater intensity of use for Instagram (ps = .001). Quantity and frequenc...

Objective: Heavy episodic drinking in college is an issue of major concern in our society. In the college setting, where alcohol misuse is prevalent, alcohol-related perceptions and automatic atten...

This study explores how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) relate to race/ethnicity and academic achievement among a sample of college students.Participants were students attending a large public...