The mental health of university students: a social ecology perspective
Cargando...
Archivos
Fecha
2025-04-21
Autores
Título de la revista
ISSN de la revista
Título del volumen
Editor
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Resumen
University students increasingly encounter significant mental health challenges as they navigate a pivotal period of personal and academic transition. Heightened by academic demands, financial insecurity, social isolation, and cultural expectations, these pressures can profoundly affect their emotional well-being. In response to this growing concern, a qualitative phenomenological study was undertaken to explore the subjective experiences of university students regarding their mental health. Guided by a socioecological framework, the research examined the complex interplay of individual, interpersonal, institutional, and societal factors shaping students’ perceptions and lived realities of mental well-being. The study utilized a phenomenological design and included 56 students from eight degree programs. The data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, reflective diaries, focus groups, ecological mapping, and ethnographic observation. The findings revealed that complex interactions between personal, social, institutional, and structural factors significantly influence students’ mental well-being. The research identified strategies students use to maintain or improve mental health, along with barriers and facilitators they encounter in the university context. The results emphasize the need for universities to adopt comprehensive, student-centered interventions, such as peer mentorship and mutual support programs, supported by updated institutional policies. These measures aim to create inclusive, adaptive, and less stressful environments, providing a model for other universities seeking to address similar challenges
Palabras clave
Mental health
Social ecology
Social work
University students
Social ecology
Social work
University students
Descripción
Materias
Cita
Segú-Odriozola, M. (2025). The mental health of university students: a social ecology perspective. Societies, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/SOC15040110