Election anxiety on campus: College mental health survey reveals key findings

Students enrolled in colleges and Universities across the United States are having heavy thoughts and feelings about the upcoming presidential election.

In a recent study, more than 1,400 students revealed they are feeling stressed but hopeful about the U.S. Presidential election.

According to the survey by TimelyCare.com, a higher education virtual health and well-being provider, the data also indicated that students prefer different nominees and support age limits for potential presidential candidates.

Who is J.D. Vance?Answering your questions about Trump's VP pick

Presidential election betting odds:Trump heavy favorite, Biden fading

"This sense of hope amidst the anxiety highlights the importance of providing robust mental health support during such pivotal times," said Dr. Jerry Walker, Executive Director of Mental Health Services for TimelyCare.

The national survey was conducted July 5-6, 2024, and consisted of active two or four year college students between 18 to 29 years old and represented every region of the country, the report stated.

Here are some key findings:

• 77% of students feel like their candidate cares about issues that matter to them
• 70% of students feel safe sharing their political views on campus
• 65% reported experiencing mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety or depression, heading into the fall semester 
• 63% planned to vote
• 52% say engaging in political dialogue on campus affects their mental health

Student concerns based on political party affiliation according to the report:

• 80% of students that are Democratic party affiliates were more likely to support age limits for presidential candidates vs. 74% of the Republican party affiliated students.
• 74% of students that are Democratic party affiliates prefer a different Presidential candidate to represent their party vs. 61% of the Republican party affiliated students.
• 72% of students that are Democratic party affiliates reported more anxiousness about the election vs. 64% of the Republican party affiliated students.