A Thematic Analysis of the Reported Effect Anxiety Has on University Students

2021 ◽  
pp. 001312452110625
Author(s):  
Jacquelyne Ladejo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Dropping Out ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Study Offer

The number of university students experiencing mental health issues in the UK is increasing and a high number of students are dropping out of university as a result. Literature highlights a lack of knowledge regarding this topic and the significance in educating society. The aim of this qualitative study was to provide further insights as to why students are experiencing anxiety and into help-seeking behavior amongst university students. A thematic analysis was used to analyze a total of 118 blog entries of students discussing the impact of university on mental health. Findings highlighted three main themes: Balancing priorities, Fear of failure, and Critical incidents. These themes are discussed in terms of possible risk factors contributing to students experiencing anxiety while at university. Findings together with recommendations listed in this study offer higher education staff and institutions the opportunity to explore areas of focus and improve university students’ mental health.

The impact of Covid-19 pandemic on mental health and help-seeking behavior among Italian university students. A descriptive and cross-sectional study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micaela Di Consiglio ◽  
Sheila Merola ◽  
Tiziana Pascucci ◽  
Cristiano Violani ◽  
Alessandro Couyoumdjian
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Help Seeking Behavior ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Paranoid Ideation ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND To reduce the spread of Covid-19 the Italian government imposed a rigid lockdown and, for a whole year, it kept declaring stringent rules to curb the community spread. The pandemic had a great negative impact on general population mental health, including the one of university students. OBJECTIVE The study provides an overview about symptomatology and help-seeking behavior of university students before and during the Covid-19 pandemic and it aims to evaluate the impact of the different phases of the pandemic on students' mental health. METHODS We collected data in four time points: (1) March 2019-February 2020, (2) March-May 2020, (3) October-December 2020, (4) January 2020-March 2021. A total of 454 students have been included in the study. Students answered a socio-demographic questionnaire and a standardized questionnaire to evaluate a broad range of symptoms of psychopathology. Descriptive analyses have been conducted to explore student’s symptomatology and help-seeking behavior. Considering the significant gender-difference distribution between groups, groups comparison analysis has been conducted considering male and female separately. RESULTS Considering the total sample size, results suggest that students have experienced moderate to severe levels of depressive, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety symptomatology. About 14% of the sample met criteria for at least one mental health disorders, but most of them were not receiving mental health care. Moreover, during the lockdown, compared with other phases, female students reported worse symptoms in the following dimension: obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, paranoid ideation and psychoticism. The increasing symptomatology quickly disappeared after the lifting of the quarantine. Results showed any difference in the male groups. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the view of a negative mental health condition of university students and indicate an increase of symptomatology during the lockdown among female students. Preventive and support strategies should be improved in the university context.

scholarly journals Effect of a peer‐led intervention combining mental health promotion with coping‐strategy‐based workshops on mental health awareness, help‐seeking behavior, and wellbeing among university students in Hong Kong

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Kwasi Ahorsu ◽  
Dalinda Isabel Sánchez Vidaña ◽  
Donald Lipardo ◽  
Parth Bharat Shah ◽  
Pablo Cruz González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
University Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Help Seeking Behavior ◽  
Health Awareness ◽  
Mental Health Awareness ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The psychological well-being of university students is an important factor in successfully coping with the demands of academic life. This study aimed to assess the impact of a peer-led intervention of mental health promotion combined with coping-strategy-based group workshops on mental health awareness and help-seeking behavior among university students in Hong Kong. Method A mixed-method concurrent design was used for this study. Quantitative data, based on one-group pretest-posttest design, were collected using Mental Health Knowledge Schedule Questionnaire to assess mental health awareness, and Attitude Towards Seeking Professional Help Questionnaire-Short Form to examine help-seeking behavior of university students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Qualitative data were collected from written post-activity reflections and focus group discussions which were thematically analyzed. Results A total of 62 university students (mean age: 23.2 ± 5.1 years) were included in this study. Mental health awareness was significantly improved (p = 0.015, 95% Confidence Interval of − 2.670, − 0.297) after program implementation. Help-seeking behavior mean score increased from pretest to posttest, however, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.188, 95% CI = − 1.775, 0.355). Qualitative analysis revealed that the program helped participants learn about coping strategies to help themselves and others with mental health challenges. Conclusions The peer-led intervention provided a positive impact through increased mental health awareness and knowledge of coping strategies on self-help and helping others among university students. Further study could focus on the impact of the program when applied regularly throughout the entire academic year.

scholarly journals Cross sectional analysis of depression and stress in medical students

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler S. Jones ◽  
Deborah Rupert
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Medical student wellbeing is a topic of growing concern. Medical students experience high levels of stress and burnout and are at increased risk for depression and suicidal ideation compared to the general population. Even more concerning, medical students are disproportionately less likely to seek help for their mental health issues. Identifying and preventing these problems early can have lasting positive consequences over the course of a physician’s lifetime. We implemented a wellness program at our medical school in the spring of 2016 with the goals of decreasing burnout and depression, heightening awareness of mental health issues, and encouraging help-seeking behaviors. To analyze the impact of our program, we have implemented a quality assurance survey. Here we report lifestyle factors associated with positive screens for depression from that data and propose institutional initiatives that can be spearheaded by medical students for medical students to impact positive change.

scholarly journals The Impacts of Propensity to Worry and Fear of COVID-19 on Mental Health of University Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 57-66
Author(s):  
Hacer BELEN
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Emotional Stability ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Penn State Worry Questionnaire ◽  
Penn State ◽  
State Worry ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Epidemics and pandemics are difficult periods for the affected community, specifically in the proliferation of mental health issues. In such adverse times, factors of psychological vulnerability such as propensity to worry and low emotional stability might have a detrimental effect on the mental health of the individuals. To investigate the impact of such factors on mental health, this study examined the impacts of propensity to worry and fear of COVID-19 on anxiety depending on the individuals’ levels of emotional stability. As a means of such investigation, this study was conducted based on quantitative data, and the research sample was selected using a convenient sampling method. Participants included 304 university students (71.6% were women and 28.4% were men; MAge = 22.37 ± 3.04) and responded to the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Symptom Checklist-90 Revised, and 10-Item Personality Inventory. The moderated mediation analysis using PROCESS macro (Model 14) was performed to examine the study hypotheses. Results revealed that propensity to worry was associated with anxiety symptoms. Fear of COVID-19 mediated this link and emotional stability moderated the relationship between propensity to worry and anxiety. The findings showed that trait worry, trait emotional stability, and fear of COVID-19 are determinants of anxiety symptoms, suggesting that such factors are important in understanding these issues.

scholarly journals Exploring the Effectiveness of an Integrated Mixed Martial Arts and Psychotherapy Intervention for Young Men’s Mental Health

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 155798831983212 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Bird ◽  
G. McCarthy ◽  
K. O’Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Help Seeking Behavior ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Impact

This research sought to establish the impact of a 10-week program combining mixed martial arts (MMA) and one-to-one psychotherapy on young males’ mental health and determine factors that predict help-seeking behavior in at-risk males. Preparticipation and post-participation interviews were employed as the method of data collection. Seven males (20–35 years; M = 24.57) completed preparticipation interviews and five completed follow-up interviews. Thematic analysis of preparticipation revealed that help-seeking behavior in at-risk males is impeded by the presence of male gender stereotypes, the absence of positive role models, as well as difficulty navigating challenging social landscapes. Post-participation interviews revealed that the sport provided structure and fitness for at-risk males, while the counseling was pivotal for personal growth. Improved relationships, work life, and self-esteem were also observed. The sporting element of the program helped to reduce stigma associated with engaging in psychotherapy, and positive male relationships were noted as particularly impactful. Findings support previous research indicating that combining sports and psychotherapy positively impacts young males’ mental health. Sport provides an acceptable doorway to psychotherapy, providing space to explore personal issues.

scholarly journals Exploring the Help-Seeking Experience of Concerned Persons: Findings From an Elder Abuse UK Helpline

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 628-629
Author(s):  
Silvia Fraga Dominguez ◽  
Jennifer Storey ◽  
Emily Glorney
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Financial Situation ◽  
Several Variables ◽  
Formal Services ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Despite their potential role in elder abuse cases, knowledge about concerned persons outside of North America is scarce. This paper will discuss findings from a study focusing on concerned persons in the UK, by addressing their profile, the impact of helping, and several variables relating to help-seeking. Researchers used secondary data from a charity’s helpline, encompassing a year of recorded cases (N = 1623). Concerned persons (n = 1352) were often related to the victim (80%) and/or perpetrator (59%). In 43% of cases, they reported impact as a result of their awareness of the situation or supporting the victim. This impact was thematically analysed and ranged widely in terms of severity, from slight worry to being subjected to the perpetrator’s homicide threats, and it often affected the person’s mental health or financial situation. Concerned persons reported substantial barriers to action relating to the access to and responses from formal services.

scholarly journals Psychological and occupational impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK surgeons: a qualitative investigation

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e045699
Author(s):  
Tmam Abdulaziz Al-Ghunaim ◽  
Judith Johnson ◽  
Chandra Shekhar Biyani ◽  
Daryl O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Personal Lives ◽  
Home Life ◽  
Qualitative Thematic Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Fear And Anxiety ◽  
Uk National Health Service ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic represents the greatest biopsychosocial emergency the world has faced for a century. The pandemic has changed how individuals live and work, and in particular, frontline healthcare professionals have been exposed to alarming levels of stress.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to understand the professional and personal effects of COVID-19 pandemic on surgeons working in the UK National Health Service (NHS).SettingSurgical departments in the NHS.DesignBetween May and July 2020, as part of an ongoing study, we asked surgeons two open-ended questions: ‘What challenges are the COVID-19 crisis currently presenting to you in your work and home life?’ and ‘How is this stress affecting you personally?’ Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Responses to the second question were also categorised into four groups reflecting valence: positive, neutral, mildly negative and strongly negative.ResultsA total of 141 surgeons responded to the survey and the results indicated that 85.8% reported that they were generally negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, of which 7.8% were strongly affected in a negative way. Qualitative thematic analysis identified four key themes from responses relating to the impact of the pandemic: (1) changing and challenging work environment as a result of COVID-19; (2) challenges to professional life and development; (3) management of change and loss in the respondents’ personal lives; (4) emotional and psychological impacts.ConclusionThe results highlighted the substantial emotional and psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgeons’ mental health, particularly in relation to fear and anxiety, loss of motivation, low mood, stress and burnout. There is an urgent need for workplace support and mental health interventions to help surgeons cope with the difficulties they face during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online survey in the UK

PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0262562
Author(s):  
Tianhua Chen ◽  
Mike Lucock
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
University Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
The North ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
The Uk

Higher education students’ mental health has been a growing concern in recent years even before the COVID-19 pandemic. The stresses and restrictions associated with the pandemic have put university students at greater risk of developing mental health issues, which may significantly impair their academic success, social interactions and their future career and personal opportunities. This paper aimed to understand the mental health status of University students at an early stage in the pandemic and to investigate factors associated with higher levels of distress. An online survey including demographics, lifestyle/living situations, brief mental well-being history, questions relating to COVID-19 and standardised measures of depression, anxiety, resilience and quality of life was completed by 1173 students at one University in the North of England. We found high levels of anxiety and depression, with more than 50% experiencing levels above the clinical cut offs, and females scoring significantly higher than males. The survey also suggested relatively low levels of resilience which we attribute to restrictions and isolation which reduced the opportunities to engage in helpful coping strategies and activities rather than enduring personality characteristics. Higher levels of distress were associated with lower levels of exercising, higher levels of tobacco use, and a number of life events associated with the pandemic and lockdown, such as cancelled events, worsening in personal relationships and financial concerns. We discuss the importance of longer-term monitoring and mental health support for university students.

scholarly journals Pandemic and student mental health: A cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of mental health symptoms amongst university students and young adults after the first cycle of lockdown in the UK

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Tang ◽  
Katharine McEnery ◽  
Laura Chandler ◽  
Carla Toro ◽  
Lukasz Walasek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Young People ◽  
University Students ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundEarly COVID-19 research suggests a detrimental impact of the initial lockdown on youngpeople’s mental health, but it is unclear whether the impact would persist.AimsWe investigated mental health symptoms amongst university students after the firstlockdown in the UK and changes in symptoms over 6 months. We examined risk factors forthese symptoms and whether they were shared by young people not in higher education.Method895 university students and 547 young people not in higher education completed an onlinesurvey at T1 (July-September 2020). A subset of 203 university students also completeda 6-month follow-up survey at T2 (January-March 2021). Mental health symptomsmeasured were anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance misuse, and suicide risk.ResultsAt T1, nearly 40% of the participants reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety anddepression and risk of substance misuse; a quarter reported insomnia and clinicallysignificant suicidal risk. A reduction in anxiety, depression and insomnia was observed inparticipants reassessed at T2, but not in substance misuse and suicidality.Cross-sectionally, greater symptoms across measures were consistently associated withgender (female or other), sleep irregularity, and a worse-off financial status. Longitudinally,the most consistent risk factors for T2 symptoms were having previously diagnosed mentalhealth problems and having difficulty sleeping since the first lockdown.ConclusionsMental health symptoms were prevalent in a large proportion of young people after the firstlockdown. Risk factors identified may help characterise high-risk groups for enhancedsupport and inform interventions in both university and non-university settings.

University Students’ Perceptions of Links Between Substance Use and Mental Health

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 399-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Hudson ◽  
Kara Thompson ◽  
Parnell D. MacNevin ◽  
Meredith Ivany ◽  
Michael Teehan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
University Students ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Substance Use Problems ◽  
Insight Into

There is a consensus among addictions researchers and clinicians that mental health concerns and substance use problems are often interrelated. It is less clear to what extent the general public, and university students in particular, understand connections between substance use and mental health. The current study aimed to understand university students’ perceived links between substance use and mental health by conducting three semistructured focus groups ( N = 24 participants, 67% female). Thematic analysis of the data yielded five themes: (1) Students use substances to cope with mental health issues, (2) substance use can lead to mental health problems, (3) links between mental health and substance use are cyclical, (4) substance use is an aspect/indicator of mental health, and (5) substance use and mental health are not always linked. Findings provide insight into the understudied area of perceived links between substance use and mental health and have implications for campus programming.

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