Jason C McIntyre1, Joanne Worsley1, Rhiannon Corcoran1, Paula Harrison Woods2, Richard P Bentall3. 1. a Institute of Psychology, Health and Society , University of Liverpool , Liverpool , UK. 2. b Student Administration and Support Division , University of Liverpool , Liverpool , UK , and. 3. c Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology Unit , The University of Sheffield , Sheffield , UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: University students experience high rates of stress and mental illness; however, few studies have comprehensively examined the impact of academic and non-academic stressors on student mental health. Similarly, there has been little focus on the role of social groups in protecting against mental distress in this young adult group. AIM: To identify the key social determinants of mental health symptoms in a student population. METHODS: Using an online survey, we administered measures of social connectedness and mental health symptoms alongside academic and non-academic stressors to a large sample of UK university students. RESULTS: Loneliness was the strongest overall predictor of mental distress, while assessment stress was the most important academic predictor. Strong identification with university friendship groups was most protective against distress relative to other social identities, and the beneficial impact of identification on symptoms was mediated by reduced loneliness. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the benefits of establishing strong social connections at university and the importance of minimising stress associated with assessment tasks.
BACKGROUND: University students experience high rates of stress and mental illness; however, few studies have comprehensively examined the impact of academic and non-academic stressors on student mental health. Similarly, there has been little focus on the role of social groups in protecting against mental distress in this young adult group. AIM: To identify the key social determinants of mental health symptoms in a student population. METHODS: Using an online survey, we administered measures of social connectedness and mental health symptoms alongside academic and non-academic stressors to a large sample of UK university students. RESULTS: Loneliness was the strongest overall predictor of mental distress, while assessment stress was the most important academic predictor. Strong identification with university friendship groups was most protective against distress relative to other social identities, and the beneficial impact of identification on symptoms was mediated by reduced loneliness. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the benefits of establishing strong social connections at university and the importance of minimising stress associated with assessment tasks.
Entities:
Keywords:
Academic stress; loneliness; mental health; social identity; stress; student mental health
Authors: Richard Phillips; Katie Seaborne; Angus Goldsmith; Natasha Curtis; Adele Davies; Will Haynes; Rose McEnroe; Nadia Murphy; Lucy O'Neill; Charlotte Pacey; Edward Walker; Elizabeth Wordley Journal: Geogr J Date: 2022-03-31
Authors: Katharina Diehl; Charlotte Jansen; Kamila Ishchanova; Jennifer Hilger-Kolb Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-08-29 Impact factor: 3.390