The mental health of university students in the United Kingdom

MACASKILL, Ann (2013). The mental health of university students in the United Kingdom. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling. (In Press)

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Abstract

There are increasing concerns globally about the mental health of students (Kadison,& Digeronimo, 2004). In the UK, the actual incidence of mental disturbance is unknown, although university counselling services report increased referrals (Association of University & College Counselling, 2011). This study assesses the levels of mental illness in undergraduate students to examine whether widening participation in education has resulted in increases as hypothesized by the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists (2003, 2011). Patterns of disturbance across years are compared to identify where problems arise. Students (N = 1197) completed the General Health Questionnaire-28 either on day one at university or midway through the academic year for first, second and third year students. Rates of mental illness in students equalled those of the general population but only 5.1% were currently receiving treatment. Second year students reported the most significant increases in psychiatric symptoms. Factors contributing to the problem are discussed.

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group:	Psychology Research Group
Identification Number:	10.1080/03069885.2012.743110
Depositing User:	Sam Wharam
Date Deposited:	31 Oct 2012 10:51
Last Modified:	21 Mar 2013 13:33
URI:	http://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/6449

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