Social Health

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, […]

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, […]

University students are increasingly grappling with mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, often exacerbated by academic pressures and lifestyle changes. This research recognises the potential of physical activity as a mitigating factor and found a strong link between higher physical activity levels and improved mental health outcomes – including lower levels of anxiety/depression, and […]

University students face elevated stress levels and are prone to engaging in health risk behaviours such as poor diet, physical inactivity, substance use, and inadequate sleep, all modifiable factors contributing to mental health disorders. A recent systematic review of 22 international studies found that while many health interventions aimed to address these issues, only a […]

The Victorian International Student Sports Festival (VISSF) returned for its second year, bringing vibrant culture and energetic competition to life at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre last Saturday. The festival welcomed 470 international students from 26 nations and 12 universities for an action-packed day of badminton, basketball, and table tennis. Hosted by UniSport Australia […]