Political News Exposure and Well-Being Among College Students

Alexander Mori

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: BA.PSYCHOLOGY

Faculty Research Mentor: Franklin Turner

Abstract:

This study examines the association between political news exposure and mental health outcomes among undergraduate college students. Grounded in Cultivation Theory, Cognitive Appraisal Theory of Stress, and the Information Overload Framework, the study investigates how frequent and prolonged exposure to political news may contribute to depressive symptoms, anxiety, and perceived stress. Using a cross-sectional quantitative survey design, data will be collected from a minimum of 150 students at Kean University, using Qualtrics. Political news exposure will be measured by frequency and duration across television, online news, and social media platforms. Mental health outcomes will be assessed using validated instruments, including the PHQ-8 for depression, GAD-7 for anxiety, and PSS-10 for perceived stress. Pearson correlations and multiple regression analyses will be conducted to examine associations while controlling for demographic and mental health variables. Findings aim to inform campus-based interventions, media literacy efforts, and resilience-building strategies to support student well-being.