An Evaluation of Well-being in College Voters During Election Cycles

Abstract

This thesis explores the intricate relationship between presidential elections and their effects on voter engagement and political involvement, focusing on the well-being of college students—a demographic often overlooked in electoral impact studies. By employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates existing research with an in-depth case study at the University of Oregon, this work seeks to uncover how presidential elections affect young voters’ political engagement and psychological well-being. Through this research it is transparent that college students experience adverse impacts on their well-being, leading to a call for action. There is a strong desire amount students on college campuses for administration and programs to become more geared towards providing support to meet their specific needs throughout election cycles. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, this thesis highlights a pressing issue and proposes supportive measures tailored to assist University of Oregon students in navigating the challenges of election-related stress. With hopes to contribute valuable insight and potential solutions to enhance student resilience and participation in the democratic process.