The Mental Health of University Students: A Social Ecology Perspective
University students increasingly encounter significant mental health challenges as they navigate a pivotal period of personal and academic transition. Heightened by academic demands, financial insecurity, social isolation, and cultural expectations, these pressures can profoundly affect their emotio...
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MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Societies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/15/4/110 |
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| author | Mabel Segú-Odriozola |
| author_facet | Mabel Segú-Odriozola |
| author_sort | Mabel Segú-Odriozola |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | University students increasingly encounter significant mental health challenges as they navigate a pivotal period of personal and academic transition. Heightened by academic demands, financial insecurity, social isolation, and cultural expectations, these pressures can profoundly affect their emotional well-being. In response to this growing concern, a qualitative phenomenological study was undertaken to explore the subjective experiences of university students regarding their mental health. Guided by a socioecological framework, the research examined the complex interplay of individual, interpersonal, institutional, and societal factors shaping students’ perceptions and lived realities of mental well-being. The study utilized a phenomenological design and included 56 students from eight degree programs. The data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, reflective diaries, focus groups, ecological mapping, and ethnographic observation. The findings revealed that complex interactions between personal, social, institutional, and structural factors significantly influence students’ mental well-being. The research identified strategies students use to maintain or improve mental health, along with barriers and facilitators they encounter in the university context. The results emphasize the need for universities to adopt comprehensive, student-centered interventions, such as peer mentorship and mutual support programs, supported by updated institutional policies. These measures aim to create inclusive, adaptive, and less stressful environments, providing a model for other universities seeking to address similar challenges. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-f8308e5ea09747f0b6d1be2a77e3bee8 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2075-4698 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Societies |
| spelling | doaj-art-f8308e5ea09747f0b6d1be2a77e3bee82025-08-20T03:13:32ZengMDPI AGSocieties2075-46982025-04-0115411010.3390/soc15040110The Mental Health of University Students: A Social Ecology PerspectiveMabel Segú-Odriozola0Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Deusto University, 20012 San Sebastián, SpainUniversity students increasingly encounter significant mental health challenges as they navigate a pivotal period of personal and academic transition. Heightened by academic demands, financial insecurity, social isolation, and cultural expectations, these pressures can profoundly affect their emotional well-being. In response to this growing concern, a qualitative phenomenological study was undertaken to explore the subjective experiences of university students regarding their mental health. Guided by a socioecological framework, the research examined the complex interplay of individual, interpersonal, institutional, and societal factors shaping students’ perceptions and lived realities of mental well-being. The study utilized a phenomenological design and included 56 students from eight degree programs. The data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, reflective diaries, focus groups, ecological mapping, and ethnographic observation. The findings revealed that complex interactions between personal, social, institutional, and structural factors significantly influence students’ mental well-being. The research identified strategies students use to maintain or improve mental health, along with barriers and facilitators they encounter in the university context. The results emphasize the need for universities to adopt comprehensive, student-centered interventions, such as peer mentorship and mutual support programs, supported by updated institutional policies. These measures aim to create inclusive, adaptive, and less stressful environments, providing a model for other universities seeking to address similar challenges.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/15/4/110social ecologymental healthuniversity studentssocial work |
| spellingShingle | Mabel Segú-Odriozola The Mental Health of University Students: A Social Ecology Perspective Societies social ecology mental health university students social work |
| title | The Mental Health of University Students: A Social Ecology Perspective |
| title_full | The Mental Health of University Students: A Social Ecology Perspective |
| title_fullStr | The Mental Health of University Students: A Social Ecology Perspective |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Mental Health of University Students: A Social Ecology Perspective |
| title_short | The Mental Health of University Students: A Social Ecology Perspective |
| title_sort | mental health of university students a social ecology perspective |
| topic | social ecology mental health university students social work |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/15/4/110 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT mabelseguodriozola thementalhealthofuniversitystudentsasocialecologyperspective AT mabelseguodriozola mentalhealthofuniversitystudentsasocialecologyperspective |