Being Social Means Being Happy? The Relationship Between Social Life and Mental Health among Asian American College Students

Using a large longitudinal national dataset, The Freshmen Survey and College Senior Survey by the Higher Education Research Institution, we analyzed 950 Asian American college students to explore associations between their diverse social experiences and perceived mental health compared to other racial groups. Asian American college students appeared to show lower levels of mental health, spend less hours on social activities, and feel less connected to their friends and colleagues compared to their non-Asian counterparts (White, Black, and Latinx students). Asian American college students reported higher levels of mental health and were more satisfied with their social experience in their senior year compared to their freshmen year. For Asian American college students, gender and confidence in their social ability were significant predictors of mental health. Practical implications and recommendations for research to support Asian American students’ mental health and their social life are discussed.