ERIC Number: ED668131
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 124
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-5346-8999-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Mental Health Literacy in Student Affairs Master's Programs
Emily Bauer
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Northeastern University
Mental health impacts on college campuses are on the rise. According to the National College Health Assessment, students reported increased depression and anxiety symptoms that overwhelmed their studies. Recent studies show that 1 in 6 undergraduates felt too depressed to function, 1 in 5 felt overwhelming anxiety, and 1 in 15 seriously considered suicide (Rafal et al.). This is exacerbated by a time of great uncertainty and stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. How can campuses prepare a safety net of non-clinical mental health support to best support students? The purpose of this Action Research study was to develop a model for graduate student education to aid future Student Affairs practitioners in identifying and intervening in emerging mental health issues of undergraduate students. The study utilized a Collaborative Learning Community to discuss the issues at hand and create a pilot program for Master's students at one Student Affairs program. Research findings include the application of a foundation of mental health literacy, needed understanding and support of high-risk populations, recommended graduate student preparation, and a need to redefine roles of Student Affairs practitioners around mental health support. The overarching conclusion is that the field of Student Affairs must redefine its role around non-clinical mental health support. This should be done by integrating a theory/practice approach founded in mental health literacy into Master's preparation programs. This would include specific information on mental health disorders, warning signs, risk factors, mental health support, high-risk populations, and trauma-informed practice. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Mental Health, Multiple Literacies, Student Personnel Workers, Masters Programs, Graduate Students, Graduate Study, COVID-19, Pandemics, Mental Health Programs, Identification, Mental Disorders, Models, Intervention, Undergraduate Students
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A