Nontraditional post-baccalaureate students: How to better provide support for perceived mental health needs

Abstract

Objective: Mental health is noted as a central indicator of academic success. This study explored the perceived mental health needs of nontraditional post-baccalaureate students and what may increase their abilities to meet these needs. Participants: Participants (n = 79) were students at a mid-sized Midwestern university enrolled in identified nontraditional programs targeting students who previously obtained a bachelor’s degree and nontraditional graduate students. Method: Participants completed an online survey assessing perceived mental health needs, service utilization, and potential barriers to service utilization. Surveys were analyzed using descriptive analysis, coding qualitative data, and two-tailed correlations. Results: Results demonstrated nontraditional post-baccalaureate students perceive themselves as having mental health needs due to stress and time constraints. Participants’ responses reflected 5 areas that may help increase mental health service utilization. Conclusions: Results indicate nontraditional post-baccalaureate students have perceived unmet mental health needs. Ways to help meet these needs are discussed.