Mental Health in Higher Education

The context of higher education presents multiple challenges for students, particularly due to the exposure to new interpersonal environments, changes in teaching methodologies and work pace, the higher demands of different academic curricula, expectations regarding their professional future, potential distancing from family/friends, and financial issues (e.g., Barbosa et al., 2020; Costa & Leal, 2008; Guedes et al., 2019; Guisande & Almeida, 2007; Leal et al., 2019; Moutinho et al., 2019; Oliveira et al., 2016; Rodrigues et al., 2020; Toti et al., 2018).

The literature indicates an increased risk of developing mental health problems in this group, with estimates suggesting that between 15% and 25% of university students experience some form of mental health issue or disorder during their academic studies (Chan & Sun, 2020; Harrer et al., 2019).

Research highlights that these students are more vulnerable to developing mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress (Almeida, 2014; Bohry, 2007; Bayram & Bilgel, 2008; Campbell et al., 2022; Eisenberg et al., 2007), exhibiting higher levels of symptoms compared the general population (Adlaf et al., 2001; Ibrahim et al., 2013).