Variations in Trauma Exposure, Minority Status, and Considerations in Course Reduction in Mississippi University System
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| Title: | Variations in Trauma Exposure, Minority Status, and Considerations in Course Reduction in Mississippi University System |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Rachel K. Carpenter (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice. 2026 27(4):972-994. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 23 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Trauma, College Students, Higher Education, Dropouts, Academic Persistence, Mental Health, Minority Group Students, Student Employment, College Credits, Course Selection (Students), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Abuse, Influences |
| Geographic Terms: | Mississippi |
| DOI: | 10.1177/15210251231216345 |
| ISSN: | 1521-0251 1541-4167 |
| Abstract: | Although college enrollment remains steady, rates of course reduction continue to rise. Most attrition research has focused on individual's precollege characteristics, but recent evidence shows that potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and/or mental health conditions are linked to college dropout. Although, little research has explored how the number of specific types of trauma exposures affects college retention. The present study examined how these types of traumatic exposures, mental health symptoms, and minority and employment status differentially relate to mental health and academic outcomes in Mississippi university samples (N = 1,831). Those who endorsed multiple PTE exposures showed the highest likelihood of considering reducing course load. Further, students with any PTE, and who also reported mental health symptoms, were within certain minority groups, and faced higher employment burdens were at a greater likelihood of considering course reduction. Recommendations include implementing evidence-based treatment protocols, utilizing trauma-informed programming, and reducing minority prejudice. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1494413 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Although college enrollment remains steady, rates of course reduction continue to rise. Most attrition research has focused on individual's precollege characteristics, but recent evidence shows that potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and/or mental health conditions are linked to college dropout. Although, little research has explored how the number of specific types of trauma exposures affects college retention. The present study examined how these types of traumatic exposures, mental health symptoms, and minority and employment status differentially relate to mental health and academic outcomes in Mississippi university samples (N = 1,831). Those who endorsed multiple PTE exposures showed the highest likelihood of considering reducing course load. Further, students with any PTE, and who also reported mental health symptoms, were within certain minority groups, and faced higher employment burdens were at a greater likelihood of considering course reduction. Recommendations include implementing evidence-based treatment protocols, utilizing trauma-informed programming, and reducing minority prejudice. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1521-0251 1541-4167 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/15210251231216345 |
