Risk Behaviours

The transition into university is a period of major lifestyle change, yet limited evidence has tracked how student health behaviours and mental wellbeing are shifting over time. This research examined trends in diet, physical activity, sleep, sedentary behaviour and substance use, alongside psychological distress, in first-year Australian university students across four cohorts from 2016 to […]

The use of social networks has grown dramatically, with 62.3% of the world’s population reportedly engaging on these platforms for an average of 2 hours and 23 minutes each day. While social media can be a powerful tool for communication, education, and connection, it can also spread misinformation and contribute to unhealthy usage patterns. This […]

Drunkorexia is a concerning blend of disordered eating and alcohol misuse and is emerging as a significant issue among young women at university. Characterised by behaviours such as meal skipping, excessive exercise, or purging to compensate for alcohol calories, it is often driven by body image pressures and social drinking culture. Recent Australian research found […]

The habits formed during university years often shape long-term health outcomes, making this a critical period for establishing positive behaviours. However, this period is also marked by shifts in movement-related behaviours (such as physical activity and sedentary time) and increased substance use, often in unhealthy directions. Physical inactivity, prolonged sedentary behaviour, and alcohol use are […]

Since the iPhone’s launch in 2007, smartphones have shifted from being a luxury to a daily necessity. However, growing overdependence on technology—particularly smartphones—may carry health risks. A recent systematic review spanning 12 countries examined the relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity among university students. The findings revealed a clear inverse relationship: students with higher […]

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 […]