Abstract
This chapter explores challenges faced by higher education students related to adjustment, stress, and mental health. It focuses on stress's impact on students' well-being and academic, physical, social, and psychological aspects during their university journey. The transitional phase from secondary school to higher education is examined, shedding light on unique challenges. Additionally, a conceptual framework is introduced, offering structured insights into these challenges within the higher education context. Implications for institutions, management, students, and parents are discussed. This chapter aims to comprehensively analyze stress and mental health challenges among higher education students, raising awareness and promoting strategies for a supportive environment, guided by the presented conceptual framework.
TopIntroduction
Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in shaping the future of students, offering them opportunities for personal and academic growth. However, this journey is not without its challenges. Students entering higher education often face adjustment issues, academic stressors, and mental health concerns that can significantly impact their overall well-being and success in their academic pursuits. Understanding the complex interplay between these challenges and students' mental health is crucial for providing effective support and promoting an environment where students can thrive (Ross, 1999; Ong and Cheong, 2009).
Significance of Understanding the Impact of Stress and Mental Health
The significance of understanding the impact of stress and mental health on higher education students cannot be overstated. Research has shown that students' mental health is closely linked to their academic performance, physical health, and social relationships (Fletcher et al., 2009; Lipson & Eisenberg, 2018). Moreover, the well-being of students is intertwined with their overall success in higher education. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of these challenges and their effects on students' lives is a critical step in addressing their needs.
This chapter aims to explore the challenges faced by students in higher education institutions related to adjustment, stress, and mental health. It seeks to shed light on the intricate relationships between these challenges and students' overall well-being. Additionally, this chapter outlines a conceptual framework developed to understand the interplay between mental health and various aspects of students' lives in higher education (Priestley et al., 2022). This chapter sets the stage for continued research, awareness, and action to support higher education students' well-being by examining the existing research and proposing a structured framework.
Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework presented herein provides a structured guide to understanding how mental health influences different dimensions of the student experience within higher education. This framework identifies key factors, including academic performance, physical health, social relationships, and overall well-being, and illustrates how they are interconnected with students' mental health. It also suggests propositions for future research and strategies to support students' mental health, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to address the challenges they encounter (Priestley et al., 2022).
With these objectives and the conceptual framework as a backdrop, this chapter discusses the complexities of students' experiences in higher education and offers insights into how institutions can create an environment that prioritizes student mental health and facilitates their success.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Intervention: Purposeful actions, programs, or strategies designed to address and mitigate mental health challenges, such as counseling, therapy, or support services.
Quality of Life: A subjective assessment of an individual's overall life satisfaction, happiness, and fulfillment in various life domains, including physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Well-Being: A holistic concept encompassing physical, mental, and social health, reflecting the overall quality of life and satisfaction with one's circumstances.
Support Systems: Formal or informal networks and resources that provide assistance and encouragement to individuals facing mental health issues or other challenges.
Stress: A physiological and psychological response to external pressures or challenges, which can have both positive (eustress) and negative (distress) effects on an individual's well-being.
Social Relationships: Interactions and connections between individuals, encompassing friendships, family ties, and other forms of social engagement.
Academic Performance: The level of achievement and success in educational pursuits, typically measured through grades, test scores, and coursework completion.
Inclusive Learning Environment: A setting that values and accommodates diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and needs, promoting equal opportunities and participation for all students.
Resilience: The capacity to adapt, bounce back from adversity, and maintain mental well-being in the face of challenges or setbacks.
Mental Health: The state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being in which an individual can effectively cope with stress, work productively, and contribute to their community.