Healthy Campus Projects

University students experience high rates of depression and anxiety, with levels higher than those of U.S. students. Risk factors include financial stress, lack of support, first-year status, body image issues, and study hours, with domestic students being more affected than international students. Depressive symptoms and stress were linked to unhealthy behaviours, such as skipping breakfast […]

University students face a heightened risk of psychological distress and mental health issues. This research identifies six coursework elements that significantly predict students’ well-being, accounting for more variance than financial or employment worries. The findings aim to help educators design curricula that mitigate distress and promote mental well-being. Larcombe, W., Baik, C., & Finch, S., […]

This research compares the mental health of undergraduate university students with their peers from ages 15 to 21. It concludes that students generally have better mental health, partly due to better parental mental health and socio-economic status. However, students’ mental health tends to decline just before major academic transitions, highlighting the importance of targeted mental […]

University students often face high rates of mental health issues, but many delay or avoid seeking help. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training on campus has been associated with a high level of knowledge, confidence, and application of mental health support skills among students and staff. This training has positively impacted their ability to assist […]

Fewer barriers to seeking help were observed at the university, emphasising the importance of addressing moods and socio-demographic barriers. Students have high mental health literacy but barriers exist to seeking professional help (e.g., perceived stigma with help-seeking). Read Arianne Reis’ research article Students as Leaders in Supporting well-being: Peer-to-peer health promotion in higher education here.

This research identifies six negative predictors of university students’ psychological wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, which include White/European ethnicity, restriction stress, perceived worry about mental health, dietary changes, perceived sufficiency of distancing communication, and social isolation. Social isolation has the largest negative impact on students’ psychological wellbeing. Conversely, positive predictors include physical health status, emotional […]

A survey of 979 undergraduate and postgraduate international students at an Australian university found that most evaluated their physical and mental health positively. Few students reported engaging in health-related risk practices, and there was little change in health behaviours since arriving in Australia. The study suggests that most international students do not find studying overseas […]

Students experience higher psychological distress compared to their peers in the general population, with certain academic disciplines showing elevated levels. While gender, student status, and primary language have minimal impact on distress levels, financial pressures, academic field, resilience, time commitments, and family care are significant contributors. Resilience is associated with lower distress and higher well-being. […]

Students recommend the implementation of effective teaching practices, regular interactions with peers and teachers, and enhanced access to support services. They appreciate being involved in the design and implementation of well-being programs and services and value the opportunity to contribute their ideas and perspectives. Baik, C., Larcombe, W., & Brooker, A., How universities can enhance […]

Optimism, self-efficacy, and resilience support student adaptation and reduce stress. Read Stephen Morton’s research article Managing the Transition: The Role of Optimism and Self-Efficacy for First-Year Australian University Student here.