Examining student mental health at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Holland, April L.

Brandon, Manitoba

Brandon University, Faculty of Health Studies

2017

2017

xi, 84 pages : color charts

thesis

Includes bibliographical references (pages 56-66). "A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Psychiatric Nursing."

English

This study focuses on student mental health at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) to address concerns by examining the association between optimal mental health and a Mental Wellness and Communications (MWC) course, comparing the mental health of KPU students with the Canadian population, and identifying factors associated with mental health. Literature and gaps in research related to student mental health are presented. To address concerns about low rates of mental health among students, survey questions were designed to identify how many students were considered to be mentally healthy, how the results compared to national averages, and if there were predictors of student mental health. The research sample was selected from students enrolled in the Health Foundations (HF) certificate program at KPU. Out of 169 participants, 89 pre-intervention and postintervention surveys were used for analysis. Results show that HF students have statistically significantly lower rates of mental health compared to the general Canadian population. Age was significantly associated with positive mental health scores, and a supportive university environment was related to mental health. The MWC course seems to have an inverse relationship with percentages of optimal mental health among students, in contrast with findings from the control group. On the basis of the results of this research, it can be concluded that students are in need of mental health promoting activities. Further investigations are needed into the reasoning for declining rates of mental health among students enrolled in the MWC course. Future larger scale studies focusing on student mental health and associated factors will be beneficial in order to promote emotional, social and psychological well-being among college and university students.

Student mental health
Mental health promotion
Dual continuum model of mental health and mental illness
Positive mental health
Flourishing
Undergraduate students
Mental health continuum-short form
Psychiatric nursing

College students--British Columbia--Mental health
College students--British Columbia--Mental health services

Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Brandon University
Faculty of Health Studies