scholarly journals The Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI): Proof of Concept and Implications for Use

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Linden ◽  
Randall Boyes ◽  
Heather Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Campus Culture ◽  
Secondary Student ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Illness Prevention

OBJECTIVE: This study demonstrates the utility of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI), an instrument designed to identify and evaluate the sources of student stress. The PSSI is comprised of 46 stressors, rated by severity and frequency, across five domains: academics, learning environment, campus culture, interpersonal, and personal.Participants: Pilot testing of the tool was conducted among n = 535 post-secondary students enrolled at an Ontario university.METHODS: Mean severity and frequency ratings were calculated for each stressor on the instrument. Results were plotted, stratifying results by sex. T-tests for differences in means across sexes were calculated for each stressor.RESULTS: Female students in this sample consistently rated nearly all stressors on the instrument as more severe than their male counterparts. Females also reported higher frequency ratings on average, indicating that they worried more often about stressors than males. Domain-specific stressors are discussed.CONCLUSIONS: The PSSI can provide post-secondary institutions with the ability to target and improve their mental health promotion and mental illness prevention efforts.

Understanding Post-Secondary Student Stress: A Qualitative Analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Linden
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Campus Culture ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Secondary Student ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
The Social ◽  
Insight Into

The purpose of this study was to generate conversations with post-secondary students about common sources of stress within the post-secondary setting, and gain insight into the social context surrounding these issues. Five major themes of stress were identified, including: academics, the learning environment, campus culture, interpersonal, and personal stressors. Implications of these findings are discussed in the context of existing literature as well as possible directions for future research.<br>

Understanding Post-Secondary Student Stress: A Qualitative Analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Linden
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Campus Culture ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Secondary Student ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
The Social ◽  
Insight Into

The purpose of this study was to generate conversations with post-secondary students about common sources of stress within the post-secondary setting, and gain insight into the social context surrounding these issues. Five major themes of stress were identified, including: academics, the learning environment, campus culture, interpersonal, and personal stressors. Implications of these findings are discussed in the context of existing literature as well as possible directions for future research.<br>

scholarly journals Cross-Sectional Trend Analysis of the NCHA II Survey Data on Canadian Post-Secondary Student Mental Health and Wellbeing from 2013 to 2019

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Linden ◽  
Randall Boyes ◽  
Heather Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Post Secondary Students

BACKGROUND: Canadian post-secondary students are considered to be at risk for chronic stress and languishing mental health, but there has been no longitudinal analysis of the available population-level data. The purpose of this study was to examine trends in the overall and sex-specific prevalence of self-reported stress, distress, mental illness, and help seeking behaviours among Canadian post-secondary students over the past several years. METHODS: Using the 2013, 2016, and 2019 iterations of the National College Health Assessment II Canadian Reference data, we conducted a trend analysis for each variable of interest, stratified by sex. The significance and magnitude of the changes were modelled using cumulative linked ordinal regression models and log binomial regression models.RESULTS: With few exceptions, we observed significant increases over time in the proportion of students reporting symptoms of psychological distress, mental illness diagnoses, and help seeking for mental health related challenges. Female students reported a higher level of stress than male students, with a statistically significant increase in the stress level reported by female students observed over time. In all cases, larger proportions of female students were observed compared to male students, with the proportion of female students who self-reported mental illness diagnoses nearly doubling that of males. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis indicated that the proportion of students self-reporting mental health related challenges, including stress, psychological distress, and diagnosed mental illnesses increased between the 2013, 2016 and 2019 iterations of the NCHA II conducted among Canadian post-secondary students.

scholarly journals Psychometric Assessment of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Linden ◽  
Heather Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Internal Structure ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Secondary Student ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
New Instrument ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Post Secondary Students

Abstract Background: Previous research has linked excessive stress among post-secondary students to poor academic performance and poor mental health. Despite attempts to ameliorate mental health challenges at post-secondary institutions, there exists a gap in the evaluation of the specific sources of stress for students within the post-secondary setting. Methods: The goal of this study was to develop a new instrument to better assess the sources of post-secondary student stress. Over the course of two years, the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI) was created in collaboration with post-secondary students as co-developers and subject matter experts. In this study, we used a combination of individual cognitive interviews (n = 11), an online consensus survey modeled after a traditional Delphi method (n = 65), and an online pre- (n = 535) and post-test (n = 350) survey to psychometrically evaluate the PSSI using samples of students from Ontario, Canada. We collected four types of evidence for validity, including: content evidence, response processes evidence, internal structure evidence, and relations to other variables. The test-retest reliability of the instrument was also evaluated. Results: The PSSI demonstrated strong psychometric properties. Content validation and response processes evidence was derived from active student involvement throughout the development and refinement of the tool. Exploratory factor analysis suggested that the structure of the PSSI reflects the internal structure of an index, rather than a scale, as expected. Test-retest reliability of the instrument was comparable to existing, established instruments. Finally, the PSSI demonstrated good relationships with like measures of stress, distress, and resilience, in the hypothesized directions. Conclusions: The PSSI is a 46-item inventory that will allow post-secondary institutions to pinpoint the most severe and frequently occurring stressors on their campus. This knowledge will facilitate appropriate targeting of priority areas, and help institutions to better align their mental health promotion and mental illness prevention programming with the needs of their campus.

Post-Secondary Stress and Mental Well-Being: A Scoping Review of the Academic Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-32
Author(s):  
Brooke Linden ◽  
Heather Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Post Secondary Students

Post-secondary students have been identified as an at-risk population for chronic stress and poor mental health. We conducted a scoping review of the academic literature surrounding student stress and mental well-being as the first phase of research in the development of Canada’s National Standard for the Psychological Health and Safety of Post-Secondary Students. Major thematic findings included student stress, resilience through effective coping and help-seeking, and programs or strategies to improve campus mental health. Recommendations include a call for increased mental health promotion and mental illness prevention activities that are sensitive to diverse cultures, ethnicities, religions, and sexualities.

scholarly journals Post-Secondary Student Stress: A Qualitative Descriptive Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Linden ◽  
Heather Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Group Interviews

PURPOSE: Excessive stress among post-secondary students has been routinely linked to negative academic and mental health outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to invite students to identify salient sources of stress within the post-secondary setting in order to facilitate improved measurement of student stress moving forward.METHODS: Focus group interviews were conducted with students from a variety of levels and areas of study. Data was thematically coded into major themes and sub themes, with direct quotes extracted for support.RESULTS: Five major themes of stress were identified, including academics, the learning environment, campus culture, interpersonal, and personal stressors, revealing a multidimensional concept of student stress.CONCLUSIONS: Underlying challenges were revealed, included time management, fear of failure, mental health literacy and education among staff and faculty, and campus inclusivity. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of existing literature and directions for future research are identified.

scholarly journals Cross-Canada Release of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI): A Study Protocol (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Linden
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Multiple Time ◽  
Secondary Student ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

BACKGROUND The prevalence of mental health related problems including stress, psychological distress, and symptoms of mental illnesses continue to increase among Canadian post-secondary student populations. Excessive stress in this population has been linked to a number of negative academic and health outcomes. Despite attempts to improve mental health at post-secondary institutions, a persistent gap exists in the evaluation of the specific sources of stress for students within the post-secondary setting. OBJECTIVE A cross-Canada, multi-site launch of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI), engaging post-secondary institutions across the country as partners, will facilitate improved measurement of the sources of student stress in addition to contributing towards improved tailoring of upstream mental health services and supports. METHODS Created in collaboration with students, the PSSI is a validated 46-item tool assessing stressors across five domains: academics, learning environment, campus culture, interpersonal, and personal. The tool was designed to be applicable to students at all years, levels, and areas of study. At each participating institution, students are recruited to participate in an online survey including questions concerning sociodemographic characteristics, stress, mental health, and resiliency. Data is collected longitudinally at multiple time points over the course of each academic year. Analyses, including appropriate data visualization, will be conducted to determine the impact of specific stressors on mental health, linking responses over time to allow for the observation of changes in trends over time. RESULTS N/A CONCLUSIONS The PSSI is an intuitive and evidence-informed tool that can aid post-secondary institutions in evaluating the sources of student stress on their campus. This multi-year project will make a significant contribution to the current literature regarding post-secondary student stress, and allow institutions across the country to improve the tailoring of upstream mental health services to directly support the unique needs of their student body. Opportunities for knowledge translation and exchange are discussed. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals Psychometric Assessment of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Linden ◽  
Heather Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Internal Structure ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Secondary Student ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
New Instrument ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Post Secondary Students

Abstract Background: Previous research has linked excessive stress among post-secondary students to poor academic performance and poor mental health. Despite attempts to ameliorate mental health challenges at post-secondary institutions, there exists a gap in the evaluation of the specific sources of stress for students within the post-secondary setting. Methods: The goal of this study was to develop a new instrument to better assess the sources of post-secondary student stress. Over the course of two years, the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI) was created in collaboration with post-secondary students as co-developers and subject matter experts. In this study, we used a combination of individual cognitive interviews (n = 11), an online consensus survey modeled after a traditional Delphi method (n = 65), and an online pre- (n = 535) and post-test (n = 350) survey to psychometrically evaluate the PSSI using samples of students from Ontario, Canada. We collected four types of evidence for validity, including: content evidence, response processes evidence, internal structure evidence, and relations to other variables. The test-retest reliability of the instrument was also evaluated. Results: The PSSI demonstrated strong psychometric properties. Content validation and response processes evidence was derived from active student involvement throughout the development and refinement of the tool. Exploratory factor analysis suggested that the structure of the PSSI reflects the internal structure of an index, rather than a scale, as expected. Test-retest reliability of the instrument was comparable to existing, established instruments. Finally, the PSSI demonstrated good relationships with like measures of stress, distress, and resilience, in the hypothesized directions. Conclusions: The PSSI is a 46-item inventory that will allow post-secondary institutions to pinpoint the most severe and frequently occurring stressors on their campus. This knowledge will facilitate appropriate targeting of priority areas, and help institutions to better align their mental health promotion and mental illness prevention programming with the needs of their campus.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional trend analysis of the NCHA II survey data on Canadian post-secondary student mental health and wellbeing from 2013 to 2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Linden ◽  
Randall Boyes ◽  
Heather Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Post Secondary Students

Abstract Background Canadian post-secondary students are considered to be at risk for chronic stress and languishing mental health, but there has been no longitudinal analysis of the available population-level data. The purpose of this study was to examine trends in the overall and sex-specific prevalence of self-reported stress, distress, mental illness, and help seeking behaviours among Canadian post-secondary students over the past several years. Methods Using the 2013, 2016, and 2019 iterations of the National College Health Assessment II Canadian Reference data, we conducted a trend analysis for each variable of interest, stratified by sex. The significance and magnitude of the changes were modelled using cumulative linked ordinal regression models and log binomial regression models. Results With few exceptions, we observed significant increases over time in the proportion of students reporting symptoms of psychological distress, mental illness diagnoses, and help seeking for mental health related challenges. Female students reported a higher level of stress than male students, with a statistically significant increase in the stress level reported by female students observed over time. In all cases, larger proportions of female students were observed compared to male students, with the proportion of female students who self-reported mental illness diagnoses nearly doubling that of males. Conclusions Our analysis indicated that the proportion of students self-reporting mental health related challenges, including stress, psychological distress, and diagnosed mental illnesses increased between the 2013, 2016 and 2019 iterations of the NCHA II conducted among Canadian post-secondary students.

scholarly journals Fall Break Fallout: Exploring Student Perceptions of the Impact of an Autumn Break on Stress

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 45-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Agnew ◽  
Heather Poole ◽  
Ayesha Khan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
Stress Intervention ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Academic Assessments ◽  
The Impact

The mental health of post-secondary students has dominated recent discourse surrounding higher education. Accordingly, many institutions have introduced a break in the fall term, designed to support student well-being. As part of an interdisciplinary, longitudinal study examining the effects of the fall break on student stress, we held focus groups with undergraduates. We observed mixed feedback surrounding this intervention. Students appreciated the fall break as an opportunity to reduce their stress, yet they frequently reported negative impacts of the break on the timing of academic assessments and their ability to effectively manage study time. Based on extensive dialogue with students, we provide recommendations for institutions which have implemented or are considering implementing a fall break as a way to support student mental health. We aim to address the paucity of qualitative research on student stress and develop a deeper understanding of the factors driving students’ responses to stress intervention policies.

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