Background
Higher education students evidence high levels of psychological distress (PD), which
can adversely impact academic performance, retention, mental health and
lifestyle. This mixed method study aimed to examine PD, sources of PD and
students help seeking behaviours.
Methods
Undergraduate nursing/midwifery and teacher education students at an Irish
university (n=1112) completed a survey comprising the General Health
Questionnaire (GHQ) to measure self reported PD and the Lifestyle Behaviour
Questionnaire to determine sources of distress, lifestyle and demographic
indicators. Individual interviews (n=59) explored student experiences of PD and
their help seeking behaviours.
Results
Forty two per cent of respondents exceeded the GHQ threshold ≥ 5, which
signifies risk of mental or physical health problems. Students reported
academic, financial and psychosocial stressors. Regression analysis identified
that demographic, programmatic and lifestyle variables predicted GHQ scores.
Despite the elevated PD students were reluctant users of support services.
Decisions to seek help were complex and grouped under four themes: reluctance
to admit vulnerability; stigma; lack of awareness\understanding and prior
experience of accessing support.
Conclusion
The extent of PD among this population is a concern. Education providers must
be vigilant for PD and provide effective interventions, cognisant of the impact
of stigma on help seeking.