What psychosocial needs do students commonly encounter? Are our support services adequately tailored to address these needs? What barriers do students face when attempting to seek and access help? We provide evidence, practices and food for thought with regards to destigmatizing mental health issues and to self-reliance in student support.
EFYE2024 – CopenhagenWorkshop | Personal mental health/well-being | Social integration/belonging | Academic integration/belonging
At Ghent University, we strive to provide comprehensive support to students as they transition into higher education. While our institution boasts a plethora of activities aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and well-being among students, it’s imperative to ensure that our support offerings align with their actual needs. Delving into the realm of psychosocial factors, it’s crucial to ascertain the specific requirements of students during their inaugural year at university and to understand the obstacles they encounter when seeking and accessing assistance. In this workshop, we present the methodology and findings of a large-scale survey conducted to explore the prevalence of psychosocial needs among students, identify perceived barriers to seeking help, assess challenges in accessing support, and gauge satisfaction levels with the assistance received. Through extensive collaboration with students, faculty members, and administrative departments, the survey was meticulously designed and administered in the spring of 2023. The results, drawn from a sample size of 4920 respondents, reveal a significant portion of the student population grappling with various psychosocial needs. Issues such as mental distress and difficulties in social integration and forging connections with peers emerge as prominent concerns. Despite the overwhelmingly positive satisfaction rates with student support services, with over 90% reporting contentment, it’s disconcerting that only a minority of students actively seek assistance. Many cite apprehension or stigma surrounding mental health issues as deterrents to seeking help. In response, we present several initiatives aimed at destigmatizing discussions on mental well-being and fostering self-reliance among students. They seek to break down barriers to accessing support services and encourage open dialogue about psychosocial challenges. The ensuing discussion centers on strategies to mitigate the barriers hindering students’ access to support. How can we make services more accessible and approachable? What measures can be implemented to destigmatize discussions surrounding mental health and who should implement them? These questions drive our ongoing efforts to enhance student support systems and create a nurturing environment conducive to holistic well-being. Structure of the session:
|
What do participants experience or learn?