College student polarization, social connections, and mental health

<b>Objective</b>: To examine the association between subjective polarization and mental health among college students, and to investigate if the association is due to impacts on social relationships and school belonging. <b>Participants</b>: The current study used online survey data for 311 college students collected in May 2023. <b>Methods</b>: OLS regression analyses assess associations among polarization, psychological distress, social connectedness, sense of belonging, and feelings of social ease on campus. KHB mediation models test for significant mediation. <b>Results</b>: The findings confirm that subjective polarization is negatively associated with student mental health, with an estimated effect size comparable to socioeconomic status. Social connectedness and belonging are significant mediators of the association; social ease is not. <b>Conclusions</b>: The results highlight the need for interventions that foster transpartisan and inclusive campus environments.