Exploring the Wellbeing of Students Studying at an Australian University

Abstract

Understanding the factors impacting on the mental health and wellbeing of university students of diverse cultural, language and life style backgrounds is relevant for the provision of educational, psychological and health services within the post secondary education sector. Mental health is one of the leading contributors to the burden of disease in Australia with anxiety and depression significant in presentations. The wellbeing and mental health of university students is a cause for concern in the provision of student affairs and services in universities and colleges. Student wellbeing and mental health has considerable impact on academic performance and the ‘at risk’ management for both student and the university community. The present study examined the prevalence of mental health problems and general wellbeing amongst university students enrolled at one Australian university and explored academic stress and the likely impact on student mental health and wellbeing. The article specifically reports the results of measures included in a Student Wellbeing Survey conducted in 2009 at an Australian university. The survey respondents completed measures of general distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), mental health (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales), under conditions of low versus high stress (varied by proximity to examinations). The findings revealed that students’ level of psychological distress at the start of semester was higher than expected and that with increasing academic stress, students exhibited increased levels of psychological distress, anxiety, stress, and depression. Implications for service provision are discussed.