Depressive symptom changes over time among first-generation students of color: applying intersectional quantitative methods.

OBJECTIVE: To examine depressive symptom trajectories among first-generation students of color compared to White first-generation and non-first-generation students. We also assess the influence of gender and stressors across adolescence, college, and post-college periods. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 3,950 individuals from three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). METHODS: A quantitative intersectional approach was applied using multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (MAIHDA) and generalized estimating equations (GEE) to assess depressive symptom trajectories across 20 intersecting social strata. RESULTS: Intersectional effects were highest during adolescence (PCV = 79.50%) and decreased over time. First-generation students reported fewer depressive symptoms in adolescence and college but higher levels post-college, particularly among Black first-generation students. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the need for early, intersectional interventions and sustained institutional support to address structural inequities and promote long-term mental health among marginalized first-generation populations.