health
Why going to an HBCU might be better for Black students’ health
A study found correlation between the environment and long-term wellness in sample of 1,978 who attended college between 1940-80
TL;DR
- Attending an HBCU may be linked to better later-life cognitive outcomes for Black Americans.
- The study sampled 1,978 Black American adults who attended college between 1940 and 1980.
- HBCU attendees showed better cognition across all three time periods studied, including at age 62.
- Participants who attended HBCUs were more likely to have college-educated mothers or female caregivers and reported experiencing more affection during childhood.
- The study emphasizes that culturally affirming spaces can promote and protect cognitive health, with benefits lasting well beyond graduation.
- The findings highlight the importance of supporting spaces like HBCUs, which create environments where socially marginalized people feel more welcome and affirmed, leading to healthier lives.