The political climate of a state does more than shape laws and elections. It can also influence the mental health of students on college campuses. A new study from the 夜色视频 finds that LGBTQIA+ students living in more politically conservative states face significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidality compared to their peers in more liberal states.
The research, led by Lisa Thomas, Ph.D., RN, CNE, FAAN, professor in the Orvis School of Nursing, analyzed data from the nationwide Healthy Minds Study, which surveys tens of thousands of college students on issues related to mental health and wellbeing. Among the 69,000 students surveyed between 2023 and 2024, nearly one-third identified as LGBTQIA+. The findings, published this week in the Journal of American College Health, provide one of the largest samples to date for examining how political climate shapes student experiences.
Thomas says that her interest in this research reflected an understanding that the LGBTQIA+ community experiences higher levels of stigma and discrimination. “What was less clear — and urgently needed given today’s polarized political landscape — was whether the state-level political environment itself magnifies or mitigates those risks,” said Thomas. “This is of paramount importance in today's political climate, where escalating political rhetoric is resulting in restriction and rollback of LGBTQIA+ rights at national and state levels.”
Key findings
The study used validated measures of depression and anxiety, along with questions about suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The political climate variable was based on the political affiliation of the state’s governor, state-level senators, and 2024 Electoral College results in the respondent’s state of residence. The results were clear: LGBTQIA+ students consistently reported worse mental health outcomes than heterosexual and cisgender students, and those differences widened in conservative states.
LGBTQIA+ students were 2.6 times more likely than their peers to meet the threshold for severe depression. They were also more than twice as likely to attempt suicide if they lived in conservative compared to liberal states. Symptoms of anxiety were significantly higher in conservative settings, with more students reporting daily feelings of dread that “something awful might happen.”
These patterns confirm what many students have long expressed: that national debates about LGBTQIA+ rights affect everyday realities on campus, from experiences of discrimination to feelings of safety and belonging. “LGBTQIA+ students were already at higher risk for depression and suicidality, but in conservative states, their outcomes were dramatically worse. It showed that political climate isn’t just background — it’s a powerful determinant of student well-being,” Thomas said. “For LGBTQIA+ students, where they go to school can literally affect their chances of thriving — or even surviving.”
Why it matters
Political climates that question or roll back LGBTQIA+ protections can intensify feelings of isolation and rejection. In turn, supportive policies, such as gender-inclusive housing, LGBTQIA+ resource centers and counseling services, can act as protective factors.
“Colleges and universities can’t change the broader political climate, but they can serve as powerful buffers against its harms,” Thomas said. “Adopting and enforcing nondiscrimination policies, providing gender-inclusive housing and facilities, and ensuring mental health services include providers trained in LGBTQIA+ issues signal to students that they are seen and valued. When institutions invest in these supports, they create microclimates of affirmation that can make the difference between students merely surviving or truly thriving.”
At the University, Thomas hopes her research will help inform policy conversations and encourage higher education leaders to adopt practices that buffer LGBTQIA+ students from the harms of hostile political climates. “The University’s involvement shows that we’re willing to engage with complex social issues that don’t stop at the classroom door and that we are a place of leadership, advocacy, and responsibility. By contributing to this body of work, the University is a voice for research that bridges data with action, ultimately helping to shape more supportive and inclusive campuses nationwide.”
Looking ahead
As political polarization continues, Thomas believes ongoing research will be critical to understanding how national discourse shapes student well-being. She also emphasizes the need for institutions to act on what is already known. “I hope this work helps campuses and policymakers see that LGBTQIA+ student well-being isn’t optional — it’s essential. My goal is for institutions to commit to policies and supports that allow every student to thrive, no matter the political climate. The next step is exploring intersectionality and resilience: how overlapping identities shape mental health risks, and what protective factors make the biggest difference. Ultimately, I want this research to point not just to the challenges, but to the solutions that can build more affirming futures for all students.”
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