Work

Effects of Timing and Level of Degree Attained on Depressive Symptoms and Self-Rated Health at Midlife

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: We examined whether attaining a higher educational degree after 25 years of age was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and better self-rated health at midlife than was not attaining a higher educational degree. METHODS: We analyzed data from National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, restricting our sample to respondents who had not attained a bachelor's degree by 25 years of age (n = 7179). We stratified all regression models by highest degree attained by 25 years of age. RESULTS: Among respondents with no degree, a high school diploma, or a post-high school certificate at 25 years of age, attaining at least a bachelor's degree by midlife was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and better self-rated health at midlife compared with respondents who did not attain a higher degree by midlife. Those with an associate's degree at 25 years of age who later attained a bachelor's degree or higher reported better health at midlife. CONCLUSIONS: Attaining at least a bachelor's degree after 25 years of age is associated with better midlife health. Other specifications of educational timing and its health effects across the life course should be studied.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2011.300216

Authors: Katrina M. Walsemann, Bethany A. Bell, Robert A. Hummer

Institutions: University of South Carolina, The University of Texas at Austin

Language: English

Topic: Health disparities and outcomes

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: University of South Carolina