Examining Social Activity, Need to Belong, and Depression Among College Students

Objective: Prior research suggests that social connectedness is associated with lower levels of depression among college students. The aim of this exploratory study was to determine if an association existed between social activity, need to belong, and depression. Variations in study measures by race, gender, and student status were also explored. Participants: Data was collected from students attending a large university in the southeastern United States during the Spring 2019 academic semester (N = 299). Methods: Participants completed an anonymous self-administered survey, which was offered in both electronic and paper formats. Results: Need to belong significantly predicted depression among college students even when accounting for social activity and response bias. Study measures varied significantly based on race, gender, and student status. Conclusion: Belonging and social connectedness may be utilized by collegiate stakeholders to increase student and university outcomes.