Mental Health

University students are often portrayed as being at greater risk of mental health problems than their non-student peers, but new Australian research suggests the picture may be more complex. Researchers from the University of Canberra compared the mental health and wellbeing of more than 1,700 young Australians and found no meaningful differences in overall psychological […]

Physical activity is widely recognised as an effective way to promote mental health, enhance wellbeing, and prevent mental ill-health across all demographic groups. This national consensus statement from Sports Medicine Australia and the Australian Psychological Society offers evidence-based guidance on how to design and promote physical activity to maximise its mental-health benefits. It identifies five […]

Young adults in higher education are often assumed to face greater mental health risks than their non-student peers, yet direct comparisons are limited. This research examined the mental health and wellbeing of 1,708 young Australians aged 17–25, including 828 university students and 880 non-students. It compared levels of psychological distress, wellbeing, resilience, and loneliness, and […]

A study of Australian university students found that interpersonal relationships, respectful environments, and opportunities for social engagement are key drivers of students’ sense of belonging. Students highlighted the importance of feeling accepted and respected, and valued spaces where they could connect with peers through clubs, societies, and events. These findings suggest that fostering inclusive, socially […]

Young Australians aged 15–24 experience the highest rates of mental health disorders, with over 200,000 university students facing mental ill health annually. Tertiary education settings, encompassing universities and vocational education and training (VET) institutions, are strategically positioned to address this challenge through prevention, early intervention, and support services. However, current efforts are fragmented and under-resourced, […]

Sport participation improves adult mental health, with team sports offering added social benefits like increased self-esteem, life satisfaction, and connection. The study introduced a ‘Mental Health through Sport’ model showing how physical activity and social interaction support wellbeing, though elite athletes may face greater psychological stress. Australian universities could use these findings to promote inclusive […]

Participation in sports significantly boosts the sense of community and psychological wellbeing among immigrant youth, making it a powerful tool for social integration. As immigrant and international students often face challenges with belonging and mental health, Australian universities could benefit from promoting inclusive, low-barrier sports programs that foster social connections and support networks. Integrating sport […]

Australian and international research suggests university students are experiencing heightened psychological distress, in part due to academic and financial pressures, isolation, loneliness and poor self-care. University years also often coincide with the critical transition period (between the ages of 17 and 25 years) when mental illness is most likely to onset. While the Australian Government’s […]

See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360899268 The move to online learning during COVID-19 deprived first-year students of friendships and other sources of social support that could buffer against stress during their transition to university. These effects may have been worse for international students than domestic students as many were subjected […]

Adapting to university life can be socially and emotionally challenging for all students, at times affecting mental health and academic performance. Recent research from a leading Chinese university surveyed 809 students to investigate how physical activity supports social adaptation. Key findings outline that students who exercised more frequently reported higher self-esteem and stronger student connections, […]