Perceived support & belongingness amongst groups of underrepresented & majority graduate students

Abstract

Objective: Graduate students are at higher risk of mental illness, and support and belongingness during graduate school are linked to greater resiliency. This study compared perceived functional support and belongingness between underrepresented graduate students (e.g., non-heterosexual, non-White, non-American citizens, or those with chronic conditions) and majority group graduate students (e.g., heterosexual, White, American citizens, or those without chronic conditions). Participants: 734 graduate students from a large, Midwestern university. Methods: A survey assessed perceived functional support and belongingness, and differences between underrepresented and majority groups were analyzed. Results: Underrepresented students reported less support and feelings of belongingness compared to majority group students. Conclusion: Universities can enhance resiliency and reduce stress among underrepresented students by improving functional support and belongingness. Recommendations are provided.

Keywords: Belongingness; graduate students; marginalized; support; underrepresented.