University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Poster Gallery
Preview
Creation Date
2024
Major
Public Health
Department
Health Promotion and Administration
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Julie Ann Lasslo
Mentor Department
Health Promotion and Administration
Abstract
Grief and addiction are typically associated with death and drugs. However, there are many types of non-death losses and behavioral addictions that are overlooked in both research and daily living. These factors affect everyone, often at many points in their lifetime. College students are at particular risk for grief and addiction, as many changes are occuring in their environment during these years. This research aims to explore how grief and addiction impact college students. The main hypothesis is that grief and addiction are positively correlated. To study this, a survey was distributed to a randomized sample of 1,500 Eastern Kentucky University students. From the responses, over half of students reported significant non-death losses and behavioral addictions, which displays the influence of these events. Furthermore, there was a moderate correlation between the highest addiction scores and the grief severity. In all, this research supports the idea that grief and addiction can amplify each other. More awareness should be brought to these topics to support those who are struggling. No one should feel alone in their battles.
