What is it about?
We examined the development of young adult college students' thinking and action against social injustice in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest of the year 2020. We found that, within this context, a minority of young people advanced in their thinking and action against injustice-- this development corresponded with concurrent and subsequent anxiety and stress. We also found that young people who faced discrimination demonstrated more critical reflection on social injustice and were taking more social action than peers who did not report discrimination. These same young people may have experienced anxiety and depression at higher rates than their less socially engaged peers.
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Why is it important?
Political turmoil in the USA is ongoing. As young people contend with injustice and inequality, results suggest that their wellbeing may suffer. We must find ways to support young people so they can continue fighting for a more socially-just world.
Perspectives
I hope this article serves as evidence for why we should better serve today's young people through building mental and emotional support into their educational and community contexts.
Elena Maker Castro
Bates College
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Discriminatory experiences, critical consciousness development, and well-being among emerging adults in and beyond the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic., Developmental Psychology, February 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/dev0001917.
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