Summary
An investigation of the social correlates of mild emotional disturbance, specifically anxiety and depressed mood, was conducted among a sample of full-time undergraduates (N=214) at a liberal arts college which had been free of social disorder for some time. Results of the study indicated the presence of strikingly high levels of both mood disturbances among the outwardly calm student body. These mood disorders were strongly correlated with negative attitudes toward the college. And contrary to alienation theory, negative attitudes were not decreased in those who participated in college activities. Students who were more closely integrated into college life, particularly residentially, were those with the most negative attitudes and the highest reported stress reactions to college. Consideration of the college as a “total institution” may help to explain these findings.
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This research was partially supported by National Institute of Mental Health Grant MH 20681 — 02. The authors gratefully acknowledge help and guidance from Dr. J. R. Newbrough and Mrs. Geri Simpkins of the Community Mental Health Epidemiology program, and encouragement from Dr. Howard Cohen and Dr. Yoosuf Haveliwala.
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Christenfeld, R., Black, H.K. Mental health and the quiet campus. Soc Psychiatry 12, 117–125 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00578971
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00578971