Narrative therapy with first-generation college students : Impacts on anxiety, depression, and retention rates.

Over 50% of students entering higher education represent the first generation in their family to do so. These students experience unique stressors related to educational background, finances, membership in underrepresented populations, and other identities which shape their worldview. Grappling with such complexities can lead to increased likelihood of depression and anxiety, contributing to a 400% drop-out rate when compared with continuing-generation students. Narrative Therapy (NT) has shown promise in treating anxiety and depression and may be beneficial in integrating the intersectional experiences of first-generation students. Our proposed research would examine the impact of NT on depression, anxiety, and retention rates