Abstract
In this study, a brief instrument (the Mental Health Change Indicator Scale, MHCIS) was developed for use in assessing the impact of a negative event on mental health. The instrument was then used to compare the reported impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Chinese university students studying either in China (n = 734) or Australia (n = 108). Perceived discrimination and social support were also evaluated as possible mediators of the relationship between country of residence (Australia vs China), and mental health impact. Results suggested that the 10-item MHCIS was unidimensional and psychometrically sound, and that the pandemic had a significantly (p < 0.001) more negative impact on the mental health of Chinese students studying in Australia than on those studying in China. Perceived discrimination was identified as a key mediating factor in this relationship. Possible implications for higher education institutions in Australia are discussed.
Highlights
The mental health of university students is a key priority for the Australian Higher Education (HE) sector
Validity, cost-effectiveness and simplicity, the MHCIS could potentially be used to monitor the mental health changes of people during stressful periods or function as a primary screening tool to help identify those who have been seriously impacted by negative events such as COVID19 pandemic
The results from Stage 2 of the research indicated that Chinese international students reported experiencing more depression, stress, and mental health changes in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as lower levels of well-being, and than their domestic counterparts
Summary
The mental health of university students is a key priority for the Australian Higher Education (HE) sector. In October 2021, Universities Australia, a consortium of 39 Australian universities, launched the Real Talk Framework to increase the focus of all institutions on the issue of mental health for both staff and students in Australian universities. This framework is designed to ensure that university staff are able to identify changes in staff and student behaviours that may signal mental health problems, and provide support at appropriate junctures for those in need. While all individuals are vulnerable to such effects, previous research has indicated that university students may be vulnerable to developing mental health issues in times of stress, as compared with general populations (van Zyl et al, 2021)
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