Mental Health

University student mental health challenges are rising, yet many avoid traditional support due to stigma and accessibility barriers. Edith Cowan University trialled The Living Room, a low‑barrier, peer‑led service offering informal, appointment‑free support. Surveying 110 students during early rollout, the study found most sought help for mental health concerns (77%), academic stress (65%) and interpersonal […]

University students often struggle to balance study, work and social commitments, resulting in low levels of physical activity despite its well-established benefits for health and learning. Researchers from a German University examined the day-to-day relationship between physical activity, stress, recovery and academic performance among university students during a 10-day study period. Students who engaged in […]

University students experience high rates of psychological distress, poor mental health, and declining wellbeing, all of which can negatively affect academic performance and student retention. Researchers from the University of Newcastle have developed the PEAK (Mood, Mind and Marks) program to address growing concerns about student mental health, wellbeing and academic performance. Using behavioural science, […]

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 […]