Stress Overload in Dreamer College Students

By Jessica Gallegos

Photo by the University of Nevada, Reno

With the challenges occurring with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA), Dreamer college students have found themselves continuing to face an uncertain future. As many have lived in the United States for large portions, if not most, of their lives, facing the possibility of being deported to a country which they have little to no connections to, is daunting. Many have worked hard to pursue academic and work opportunities, so changes to the DACA program can drastically change their lives.

Coupling all of these stressors, studies have shown that policy changes can take a great toll on the well-being of Dreamers. A study in the Journal of American College Health looked into whether Dreamers had higher levels of stress overload than other students and its relation to academic outcomes. Over the course of fifteen months, researchers surveyed students at a public university in Southern California, obtaining a sample size of 424 students, of which 64 self-identified as Dreamers. The survey included measures for stress overload, illness symptoms, and GPA, as well as a questionnaire to determine their citizenship status and analyze variables that may influence college performance.

The study found that Dreamers experienced stress overload at higher rates, which could not be entirely attributed to factors shared by other students. Further, the study reported a connection between the status of being a Dreamer and having increased illness symptoms. Yet, the GPAs reported by Dreamers did not differ significantly from the rest of the surveyed students.

While a more geographically-diverse sample and a longitudinal study would better enable researchers to assess the long-term effects that changes in the DACA program would have on Dreamers, the study adds to the growing literature of the policy’s impacts on these students’ well-being. Furthermore, it highlights the essential role that colleges and other educational providers need to fulfill in establishing resources to address the challenges that Dreamers face. Ensuring access to healthcare, including mental health resources, could help students obtain help when needed. In addition, making sure that students are aware of legal or financial resources that may be available to Dreamers and other undocumented students could aid in addressing other stressors, better allowing for the students to focus on meeting and even exceeding their academic goals.