Mental Health Of College Students Research Articles

Research on the impact of dance training on the mental health of college students

This study aims to investigate the impact of dance training on the mental health of college students. Utilizing experimental research methods, we established an experimental group and a control group to compare changes in mental health dimensions—including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and social skills—between the two groups before and after 12 weeks of dance training. The findings indicate that dance training significantly reduces levels of anxiety and depression, while also improving self-esteem and social skills, thereby enhancing social adaptability. These results provide empirical support for the use of dance as an intervention for mental health and offer new insights for mental health education in colleges and universities.

Social media and the mental health of university students in Sub-saharan Africa

Social media and the mental health of university students in Sub-saharan Africa

Exploring the relationship between proactive personality, individual innovation, and mental health in university students.

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of proactive personality and individual innovation characteristics of university students on their mental health together with their socio-demographic characteristics. This cross-sectional study was conducted among students of Yozgat Bozok University in 2022. Data was collected using a sociodemographic information form, Individual Innovation Scale (IIS), Proactive Personality Scale (PPS), and the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21). The questionnaire forms were presented to students online through Google Forms. Data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, correlation and multinomial logistic regression (MLR). In this study, the mean scores of the anxiety, depression and stress subscales of DASS were found to be 6.0 ± 3.7, 6.8 ± 4.4 and 7.4 ± 3.8, respectively. The percentage of students showing moderate levels of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms were 22.2%, 32.0%, and 15.1%, respectively, while those with high or very high levels of symptoms were 31.5%, 17.0%, and 9.8%, respectively. This study provides evidence that proactive personality, individual innovativeness traits, age, and familial characteristics may not significantly influence anxiety, depression, or stress in college students. The probability of students showing moderate and high levels of mental health symptoms was found to be associated with being female and having poor health status. Anxiety was found to be the most common mental health problem among university students, followed by depression and stress. No relationship was found between students' proactive personality, individual innovation traits, and their mental health.

Research on Strategies for College Counselors in Conducting Mental Health Education for College Students

In recent years, with the rapid development of society and increasing competition, the mental health of college students has garnered more attention. Influenced by changes in their educational, family, and social environments, college students face new demands for mental health education. In the practice of mental health education, college counselors play a key role as guides in promoting students' holistic development, guardians in optimizing the university mental health education system, and managers in enhancing the effectiveness of mental health education. This paper first introduces common psychological issues among college students then discusses the necessity for college counselors to conduct mental health education from three perspectives, and finally proposes four strategies for counselors to implement mental health education, with the aim of providing a reference for student management in higher education institutions.

Biomechanical factors influencing mental health in college students and the role of physical activity in cognitive resilience

The Mental Health (MH) of college students is increasingly becoming a public health concern, with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. This study aims to explore the relationship between Biomechanical Factors (BF), Physical Activity (PA), and MH outcomes in college students, addressing gaps in current research that frequently overlook the biomechanical features of physical well-being. A cross-sectional observational design was employed, involving 200 college students aged 18–24. SP underwent comprehensive assessments, including postural analysis, movement pattern evaluation, and MH screening. Physical activity levels and cognitive resilience were also measured to evaluate their roles in mediating and moderating the relationships between BF and MH. Key findings revealed that poor biomechanical alignment, such as forward head posture and movement asymmetry, were significantly associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Correlation analysis showed that forward head posture correlated positively with depression (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and anxiety (r = 0.47, p < 0.01). Movement asymmetry was also associated with MH disturbances (depression: r = 0.45, p < 0.01). PA mediated the relationship between BF and MH, with significant indirect effects via PA for forward head posture (0.18, p < 0.05). Cognitive resilience emerged as a significant moderator, buffering the negative impact of biomechanical inefficiencies on MH outcomes. Within-subject comparisons indicated improvements in BF and MH scores over a one-month follow-up, with decreases in forward head posture (−2.2 ± 1.5 degrees, p < 0.05) and depression scores (−1.5 ± 1.2, p < 0.01).

COVID 19 and the Mental Health of College Students

Background:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak significantly impacted those across the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a mental health strain particularly among college students.Objective:This article examines the mental health of college students and the challenges they experience surrounding COVID-19.Methods:This literature reviews the on-campus infrastructure, resources, and support during the pandemic.Findings:The common theme in the findings throughout the literature is the increase and prevalence in stress, anxiety, and depression among college students with worsening results for students of color.Conclusion:The implications to practice, policy, and research are discussed to set future direction. Recommendations are provided to support the mental health of college students during future pandemics. Colleges and universities need to look to the schools of social work and social work educators for leadership and guidance in improving future outcomes.

Qualitative Mechanisms of Perceived Indoor Environmental Quality on Anxiety Symptoms in University

The indoor environment is widely acknowledged as a non-pharmacological tool for regulating residents’ mental health. In dormitory environments with relatively high residential density, the mental health of university students requires particular attention. This study surveyed 445 students from a northern Chinese university and used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the impact of perceived indoor environmental quality (IEQ)—including thermal, lighting, acoustics, indoor air quality, and overcrowding—on self-reported anxiety symptoms. The results indicated the following: (1) students’ perceptions of dormitory IEQ significantly affected anxiety symptoms, explaining 40% of the variance; (2) anxiety symptoms associated with the IEQ were mainly characterized by anxiety and panic (r = 0.91, p < 0.001); (3) subjective perceptions of the acoustic environment (r = −0.55, p < 0.001) and indoor air quality (r = −0.15, p < 0.05) were key predictors of anxiety, while thermal environment, lighting environment, and overcrowding were not significant. The findings enrich the IEQ system and provide directions for optimizing the dormitory indoor environment from the perspective of student mental health, with implications for other types of residential buildings.

Effectiveness of a multi-component sleep-mood group intervention on improving insomnia in university students - a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Sleep and mental health problems are very common in university students. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a multi-component sleep-mood intervention on improving sleep and mental health in university students with clinically significant insomnia symptoms, and to investigate possible mediators. Thirty-five participants were randomized to the Sleep Mood Intervention: Live Effectively (SMILE) intervention (n = 23), or wait-list group (n = 12). SMILE is a multi-component group therapy and includes elements of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), mindfulness, and lifestyle modifications, in four weekly two-hour sessions. The primary outcome was insomnia severity. Secondary outcomes were severity of depression and anxiety, and quality of life (QoL). Dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep and pre-sleep arousal were assessed as mediators. Intention-to-treat analysis showed significant time x treatment interaction on insomnia symptoms p = .02, partial η²=0.15, d = 0.84 [95% CI: 0.63 to 1.14], with significantly lower insomnia severity for SMILE compared to waitlist at post-test. No significant effects were found on depression d = 0.02 [95% CI: -0.35 to 0.37], anxiety d = 0.15 [95% CI: -0.16 to 0.53], and QoL d = 0.09 [95% CI: -0.25 to 0.42]. Dysfunctional beliefs mediated the effect on insomnia severity, but pre-sleep arousal did not. This integrated group intervention is associated with reductions in insomnia symptoms in university students. Since no significant effects were detected on mood and QoL, future studies with larger sample size may explore the effects of this intervention on these outcomes. Registry: Overzicht van Medisch-wetenschappelijk Onderzoek. NL-OMON46359. Date of registration: September 18th, 2018.

Effects of short video addiction on college students' physical activity: the chain mediating role of self-efficacy and procrastination.

Excessive use of short video applications can adversely affect the physical and mental health of college students. At present, regarding the effect of short video addiction on physical exercise, few scholars have studied the mechanism of action. This study aims to investigate the mechanism by which short video addiction impacts college students' physical exercise. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between short video addiction and physical activity, and examined the influence of self-efficacy and procrastination on this relationship. In this research, 304 college students were selected as survey subjects. The questionnaires included Short Video Addiction Scale, Physical Activity Rating Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Short Version General Procrastination Scale. The data underwent correlation analysis using SPSS and mediation effect analysis using the PROCESS macro program. (1) 61.51% (187) of college students' physical activity was low exercise. (2) Physical activity was significantly negatively impacted by short video addiction. (3) Self-efficacy played an independent mediating role in the association between short video addiction and physical activity. (4) The association between short video addiction and physical activity was independently mediated by procrastination. (5) Self-efficacy and procrastination function as chain mediators in the association between short video addiction and physical activity. Our research identifies the role that self-efficacy and procrastination play in the connection between short video addiction and physical activity. Decreasing the utilization of short video applications and enhancing self-efficacy can reduce procrastination and improve physical activity for college student groups.

A Discussion on Adding Personalized Strength Training to College Students' Physical Health in Physical Education Courses

This paper provides an in-depth discussion of the effects of incorporating standardised individualised strength training in the college physical education curriculum on the physiological health of college students. With the popularisation of higher education and the intensification of employment competition, the physical and mental health of college students has attracted much attention. As a key part of the physical education curriculum, its reform and innovation are particularly important. Standardised personalised strength training effectively improves the muscular strength and endurance of college students and strengthens their physical fitness through the development of targeted training plans and the full consideration of students' individual differences. This kind of training not only promotes the improvement of cardiorespiratory function of college students and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, but also regulates their psychological state and enhances their overall sense of well-being through exercise. In addition, personalised strength training also cultivated students' teamwork and self-challenge spirit, laying a solid foundation for their all-round development. Therefore, the incorporation of standardised personalised strength training in the college physical education curriculum has a positive impact on the physiological health of college students and is worthy of further promotion and application.

Navigating Crisis: Resilience and Mental Well-being in Post-COVID Cyprus Students

Abstract Background The mental health of university students is identified as a major challenge in public health, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic and its aftermath have brought forth several stresses, which have had a substantial influence on university students’ mental health. Understanding how resilience, which is crucial in coping with adversity, influences students’ responses to these difficult circumstances is critical. Objectives This study aims to examine the relationship between resilience and mental health outcomes among university students in the Republic of Cyprus after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Using a parallel embedded mixed methods approach, resilience was measured using the Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) while mental health outcomes were assessed using the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL 90-R) among a preliminary sample of 470 students. The association between the two was assessed by linear regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, and also stratifying by gender. Results Preliminary findings from this ongoing study revealed a significant inverse relationship between resilience and mental health (beta= -0.58, 95% CI -0.88, -0.29), regardless of gender, age, or socioeconomic status. Stratifying by gender revealed for males, the association between resilience and mental health is (beta= -0.50, 95% CI -0.98, -0.32), whereas for females, it is (beta= -0.63, 95% CI -1.04, -0.22). In short, the influence of resilience on protecting mental health appears to be slightly more prominent in women than in males. Discussion This study enriches our understanding of the intricate interplay between the COVID-19 pandemic, resilience, and mental health outcomes among university students. By prioritizing the psychological well-being of this population group, our findings resonate with the World Health Organization’s advocacy for heightened mental health awareness during crises. Key messages • Prevalence of mental health issues post pandemic era among university students. • Resilience as a buffer for mental health crisis in young adults.

The Positive Impact of Participation in Student Sports Community Activities of Zhangjiajie Aviation College in China on the Mental Health of College Students

This article aims to explore the positive impact of participation in student sports club activities of Zhangjiajie Aviation College in China on the mental health of college students. Through a questionnaire survey, the data of 300 college students were collected, and statistical analysis methods were used to deeply analyze the relationship between the frequency and type of participation in sports community activities and the mental health status of students. The research results show that universities that actively participate in sports community activitiesBorn in emotional stability, social ability, self-awareness and stress coping, etc. have all shown significant positive changes. This article further analyzes the specific mechanisms of these positive effects, and puts forward suggestions to promote students' participation in sports clubs and improve mental health.

Links Between Racial Discrimination and College Student Mental and Physical Health: Examination of Parent-Youth Relationships as Protective Factors

Links Between Racial Discrimination and College Student Mental and Physical Health: Examination of Parent-Youth Relationships as Protective Factors

The Impact of Risk Factors on Mental Health in University Students

The Impact of Risk Factors on Mental Health in University Students

Beyond the blues: The protective influence of adaptability and well-being on university students' mental health.

Theoretical approaches suggest that adaptability and well-being could serve as protective factors in influencing mental health. However, it remains empirically unclear how students' prior adaptability and well-being predict depression (and vice versa) in the long term. Hence, using a longitudinal design, the present study explores the reciprocal relations among university students' adaptability, well-being, as well as depression before, during, and after the lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In a sample of 7527 Chinese university students (51.7% female; mean age = 18.38, standard deviation [SD] = 0.77), we measured adaptability, university-related well-being, and depression. Self-report assessments were administered before (Time 1, October 2019), 1 year after (Time 2, March 2021), and 2 years after (Time 3, March 2022) the COVID-19 outbreak in a comprehensive public university in China. Cross-lagged panel analysis revealed that prior adaptability and university-related well-being negatively predicted subsequent depression, even when statistically controlling for demographic factors such as gender, family economic status, and so on. Moreover, results showed positive reciprocal relations between adaptability and university-related well-being. Findings indicate that adaptability and university-related well-being have long-term protective effects on the mental health of university students, which could mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19 or other crises. The implications for practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Investigating College Student Mental Health Needs and Barriers Using Natural Language Processing

College students’s mental health has been declining, despite efforts by universities to improve outreach and programming. Though a variety of resources are available, students, especially those who experience marginalization, often do not engage with them. LGBTQ+ students in Florida, in particular, may face unique challenges. To understand marginalized college students’s mental health experiences, we conducted ten focus group interviews (N = 65) with students with various marginalized identities. Using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, we conducted sentiment analysis with respect to students’s responses on interview questions (e.g., mental health needs, how needs are met/not met) among LGBTQ+ and other minority groups. Overall, LGBTQ+ students yielded a more negative sentiment than the other groups, with a marginally significant (at 0.1 level) difference suggested by Wilcoxon rank sum test. This project presents a novel approach to leveraging traditional qualitative methods and AI, provides deeper understanding of the mental-health-related needs of marginalized college students, and practical implications for prevention and intervention efforts to promote college students’s mental health.

텍스트 마이닝을 활용한 국내 기본심리욕구 연구 동향 분석

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine research trends related to basic psychological needs in Korea and identify major research topics and trends. Methods To this end, we analyzed 327 academic papers related to basic psychological needs, which were more than candidates for KCI registration published on the Academic Research Information Service. The data was preprocessed through an R program, and the results of keyword frequency analysis were visualized in a word cloud, and analyzed by topic modeling. Results First, according to the literature status, 327 journals have been published in 106 societies, including the Learner-Centered Curriculum Education Association and the Korean Youth Association. Second, in keyword frequency analysis, terms such as basic psychology, desire, research, relationship, influence, mediation, analysis, autonomy, effectiveness, satisfaction, and competence appeared as top words. Third, topic modeling results were categorized by effects on individual psychological well-being, research methods, relationships with elementary school students and psychological well-being, the influence of young people's home and school environments, the mental health of college students, and relationships with stressors in modern society. Conclusions This study is significant in that it identified the characteristics of basic psychological needs research trends in Korea by applying text mining techniques to a vast amount of information on basic psychological needs, and it can be used as useful basic data for setting the direction of basic psychological needs research and selecting research topics in the future.

A Discussion Related to the Impact of Incorporating Standardised Individualised Strength Training in the Physical Education Curriculum of Colleges and Universities on the Mental Health of College Students

This study explores the far-reaching impact of standardised personalised strength training on college students' mental health. With the continuous improvement of the comprehensive quality requirements for college students in modern society, mental health problems have gradually come to the forefront and become an important issue to be solved in the field of higher education. Traditional physical education programmes tend to be designed and implemented in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ teaching mode, ignoring the significant differences between students in terms of physical condition, athletic ability and interest preferences. This neglect not only limits the overall development of students' physical abilities, but may also adversely affect their mental health. In response to this challenge, standardised and individualised strength training has been developed. The core of this approach is ‘personalisation’, i.e., a training programme that is tailored to the specific needs of each student. The individualised training programme not only takes into account the student's physical condition and athletic ability, but also respects their preferences. In this way, students are able to train at an intensity and tempo that suits them, thus improving the training effect and reducing the risk of sports injuries.

The ABCs of mental health at the university: a multi-level intervention design for promoting mental well-being.

There is an escalating concern for the mental health of university students being recognized as a high-risk group for psychological distress. Despite research emphasizing the need to integrate mental well-being into higher education, existing interventions primarily focus on challenges and support services, leaving a gap in practical insights for promoting mental well-being at the university as a whole. This paper aims to cover the theoretical and methodological foundations for the design and development of a complex multi-level intervention called the ABCs of mental health at the university (ABC-uni). Following the MRC framework for complex interventions, the design and development of a novel complex intervention is described (Phase I). Using the socio-ecological model and incorporating principles from health promotion charters, capacity building, organizational change models, and the principles of the ABCs of mental health a program theory for mental health promotion at the university is proposed. Following this theoretical foundation a logic model outlines the ABC-uni intervention components at structural, community, and individual levels. The components include staff training, campaign materials, a photovoice project, integration of mental well-being literacy into introductory programs, a credit-bearing course, and an online module. Preferably, most of these components are developed and carried out collaboratively with students at the university. As proposed in the logic model expected outcomes encompass heightened awareness, supportive environments, commitment, and accountability, aiming to enhance mental well-being across the entire university. The design and development of the intervention components occur at a Danish public university. This section addresses the strengths and limitations of the design of the ABC-uni intervention. Future research will cover the feasibility phase of each components of the ABC-uni intervention (phase II). The conceptual framework and program theory outlining mental health promotion at the university, along with the detailed description of the intervention components, provides valuable insights for fostering mental well-being in the university community.

Study on the sports biomechanics prediction, sport biofluids and assessment of college students’ mental health status transport based on artificial neural network and expert system

Based on the theories of artificial neural networks and expert systems, this study constructs a model for assessing the sports biomechanics’ mental health of college students using artificial neural networks and expert systems. It assesses the sports biomechanics’ mental health status of college students who had their yoga classes suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, A mobile questionnaire was used to collect information on students’ personal circumstances, sport biofluids and yoga exercise routines, as well as data from the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). This study presents a novel approach to assessing the intersection of sports biomechanics and mental health by employing Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and expert systems. Unlike previous research in this domain, this study offers an extensive review of the literature, highlighting both the distinctive contributions of ANNs and expert systems and the existing gaps in current methodologies. Similarly, a univariate analysis method was utilized to quantitatively assess the impact of yoga interventions and other factors on college students’ sports biomechanics and mental health. Building on this analysis, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to predict mental health outcomes and sport biofluid conditions. The model focused on evaluating the significance of various variables, with particular attention to the contribution of yoga exercise routines. In short, this approach aims to enhance the understanding and support for utilizing yoga interventions to improve college students’ mental health within the context of sports biomechanics, especially in the post-pandemic era. The findings should make an important contribution to the field of integrating ANNs with expert systems and sports biomechanics improves mental health prediction accuracy.