ERIC Number: EJ1455712
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-8756-7555
EISSN: EISSN-1930-8299
Available Date: N/A
University Student Perspectives on Mental Health: A Qualitative Analysis Post Mental Health Seminar
College Teaching, v73 n1 p21-30 2025
The state of mental health has become increasingly concerning, particularly with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging adulthood is a time of adjustment and growth, and for many youths this includes attending college. The transition to college often comes with significant challenges that impact student mental health. This study uses thematic analysis to analyze qualitative responses from focus groups with college students (N = 22) following an innovative credit-bearing mental health course at a large university in the Southern U.S. Students discussed various aspects of mental health, including stressors such as academic rigor, social expectations, and challenges to seeking mental health care. In addition to stressors, students highlighted engaging in coping strategies such as physical health, positive relationships, spirituality, and more to manage stress, which suggests students applied skills garnered in the mental health course. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Descriptors: Student Attitudes, Mental Health, Health Education, Stress Variables, Access to Health Care, Coping, Physical Health, Interpersonal Relationship, Spiritual Development, Stress Management, Undergraduate Students, COVID-19, Pandemics
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A