Developmental Assets and Health Outcomes in College Students
Author Information
Author(s): Keith J Zullig, Daniel A Teoli, Rose Marie Ward
Primary Institution: West Virginia University
Hypothesis
The study aims to explore the relationships between developmental assets, life satisfaction, and health-related quality of life among college students.
Conclusion
Not all developmental assets are related to positive health outcomes among college students, particularly mental health outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants with better family communication reported higher life satisfaction.
- More non-parental role models were associated with lower life satisfaction and more poor mental health days.
- Increased future aspirations were linked to more poor mental health days.
Takeaway
This study found that some things that help students feel good about life, like family communication, are important, but other things, like having role models, can sometimes make them feel worse.
Methodology
Structural equation modeling techniques were used to analyze the relationships between developmental assets, life satisfaction, and HRQOL.
Potential Biases
The sample may not represent diverse populations, and the response rate of 56% could introduce bias.
Limitations
The study was limited to a Caucasian sample from one Midwestern university, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The sample consisted of 86% Caucasian students, with 46% male and 54% female, and a majority were aged 21 years or older.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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