Journal article
Psychological distress in university students: A comparison with general population data
Australian Psychologist, Vol.45(4), pp.249-257
2010
Abstract
Objective: While the mental health of university students is recognised internationally as an important public health issue, more epidemiological data are needed that allows benchmarking with general population data. Methods: All enrolled students from two large Australian universities were invited to complete a web-based survey. Anxiety-mood disorders were assessed using the Kessler 10. A total of 6,479 students participated in the study with sociodemographics generally consistent with the university population. Results: The estimated prevalence for mental health problems was 19.2% with 67.4% reporting subsyndromal symptoms. These rates were significantly higher than the general population. Psychological distress was associated with disability and lower academic achievement. Predictors of distress included: full-time status, financial stress, being aged between and 18 and 34 years, being female, and in a subsequent undergraduate year of their degree. Conclusions: The extremely high prevalence of mental health problems in university students provides evidence for this being an at-risk population. Implications: The results highlight the need for universal early interventions to prevent the development of severe mental illness in university students.
Details
- Title
- Psychological distress in university students: A comparison with general population data
- Authors
- Helen M Stallman (Author) - The University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Australian Psychologist, Vol.45(4), pp.249-257; 9
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Date published
- 2010
- DOI
- 10.1080/00050067.2010.482109
- ISSN
- 0005-0067; 1742-9544; 0005-0067
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99513807702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Psychology, Multidisciplinary
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