Living in quiet desperation: The mental health epidemic in Australia’s higher education

Abstract

Objective: This study sought to investigate the relationship between personal, university, home and community influences on Australia’s university students’ mental health status. Design: Positioned within a qualitative, interpretivist paradigm, the study collected data from participants ( n = 934) by means of an online survey requesting lived or witnessed experiences concerning mental health concerns. Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological model informed the design of the study. Setting: Five major Australian higher educational settings. Method: Leximancer software was used for concept development. Data were analysed using thematic coding. Results: Findings provide qualitative data of university students’ experiences concerning mental health status, as measured across four domains. Themes identified include personal (stress, anxiety, life skills), university (grades/free physical activity) and home (closer to home, support networks) dimensions. There was no unprompted reference to the community domain. Results reinforce the need to ensure that current and future student mental health policies and initiatives are implemented within each of the domains addressed – to ensure a more holistic approach to students’ well-being and care. Conclusion: Findings highlight challenges concerning Australia’s university students’ mental health status. Findings present an opportunity for the university sector, community health services, and sports and fitness organisations to develop and implement future collaborative health promotion in higher education settings.