Files and links (2)
Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Risks to mental health of higher degree by research (HDR) students during a global pandemic
PLoS One, Vol.17(12), pp.1-16
2022
PMID: 36574430
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected university students globally. Our study investigated mental health indicators among higher degree by research (HDR) students at a regional university in Queensland, Australia. A total of 231 HDR students (female = 137, male = 94) completed the Brunel Mood Scale to assess the constructs of Tension, Depression, Anger, Vigor, Fatigue, and Confusion. A subset of 11 students participated in three focus groups to explore their experiences. Results showed that reported mood among HDR students was generally more negative than population norms, although more positive than moods reported previously during the pandemic. A total of 52 participants (22.5%) reported mood profiles that indicated elevated risk of mental ill-health. Mood profiles varied significantly by gender, age, study mode (full-time/part-time), location (on-campus/online), and citizenship (domestic/international). Quantitative data were supported by focus group findings, which identified mental health and wellbeing as key themes of concern to HDR students. Our findings indicate that support mechanisms to safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of HDR students should be a priority for universities.
Details
- Title
- Risks to mental health of higher degree by research (HDR) students during a global pandemic
- Authors
- Charlotte Brownlow (Corresponding Author) - University of Southern QueenslandDouglas Eacersall (Author) - University of Southern QueenslandCharles W Nelson (Author) - University of Southern QueenslandRenée L Parsons-Smith (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyPeter C Terry (Author) - University of Southern Queensland
- Publication details
- PLoS One, Vol.17(12), pp.1-16
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science
- Date published
- 2022
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0279698
- ISSN
- 1932-6203
- PMID
- 36574430
- Copyright note
- © 2022 Brownlow et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Law and Society; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99695748802621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
160 File views/ downloads
46 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Education & Educational Research
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites