title: Sexual orientation and differences in mental health, stress, and academic performance in a national sample of U.S. college students.
abstract: This study examined the relationships of mental health issues and sexual orientation in a national sample of college students. Using the Fall 2009 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment, responses from heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and unsure students (N = 27,454) relating to mental health issues and impact of these issues on academics were examined. The findings indicate that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and unsure students consistently reported higher levels of mental health issues and a more frequent impact on academics because of these issues than heterosexual students. Bisexuals frequently reported higher levels than students identifying as gay, lesbian, and unsure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Texas, San Antonio, USA. sara.oswalt@utsa.edu
authors.forename: Sara B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Oswalt
authors.forename: Tammy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Wyatt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult