Students’ Experiences of Psychosocial Problems in Higher Education


Book Description

Around the world, students in higher education suffer from and deal with psychosocial problems. This phenomenon is universal and seems to be increasing. A vast number of students enter higher education with problems like stress, anxiety or depression, or develop them during their student lives, due to, for example, loneliness, family crisis, mental health or study environment issues. Battling, belonging and recognition are the focal points of this book’s analyses, showing how students faced with psychosocial problems experience high degrees of stigma and exclusion in the academic communities and society as such. The book is based on research situated in a welfare society, Denmark, where students have relatively easy access to higher education and to public support for education as well as special support for students with psychosocial problems. Taking a student perspective, the book provides in-depth, qualitative analyses of what characterizes student life, which specific psychosocial and other problems students experience, how problems are constructed, represented and become significant in relation to studying, and, not least, how students deal with them. It will be of great interest to researchers, academics and postgraduate students in the fields of educational psychology, sociology of education and higher education. It will also be of interest to supervisors and administrators in higher education.




Mental Health, Substance Use, and Wellbeing in Higher Education


Book Description

Student wellbeing is foundational to academic success. One recent survey of postsecondary educators found that nearly 80 percent believed emotional wellbeing is a "very" or "extremely" important factor in student success. Studies have found the dropout rates for students with a diagnosed mental health problem range from 43 percent to as high as 86 percent. While dealing with stress is a normal part of life, for some students, stress can adversely affect their physical, emotional, and psychological health, particularly given that adolescence and early adulthood are when most mental illnesses are first manifested. In addition to students who may develop mental health challenges during their time in postsecondary education, many students arrive on campus with a mental health problem or having experienced significant trauma in their lives, which can also negatively affect physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. The nation's institutions of higher education are seeing increasing levels of mental illness, substance use and other forms of emotional distress among their students. Some of the problematic trends have been ongoing for decades. Some have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic consequences. Some are the result of long-festering systemic racism in almost every sphere of American life that are becoming more widely acknowledged throughout society and must, at last, be addressed. Mental Health, Substance Use, and Wellbeing in Higher Education lays out a variety of possible strategies and approaches to meet increasing demand for mental health and substance use services, based on the available evidence on the nature of the issues and what works in various situations. The recommendations of this report will support the delivery of mental health and wellness services by the nation's institutions of higher education.




The Impacts of Green Space on Student Experience at an Urban Community College


Book Description

This book presents a rich case study examining physical and spatial factors of urban campus design that influence student experience and wellbeing. The text details important historical context illustrating the foundational concepts and purpose of college sites in the United States and maps economic reforms and policies which have driven the development of today’s inner-city campuses. Focusing on Bronx Community College, New York, and looking specifically at how the presence or absence of green space impacts students, the text then draws on diverse student voices to examine how students use open spaces, and how this influences their sense of belonging, stress reduction, and scholarly identities. The author’s historical and qualitative research presents original insights and relies on a rich body of textual and on-site investigation. This book will be a valuable resource for researchers and academics with an interest in urban education and higher education. It will be of particular interest to those with a focus on multicultural education and education policy.




Student Mental Health


Book Description

The chapter authors address life transitions and the university student experience, as well as the challenges of caring for university students with mental health issues. The book has positive strategies, including ways to foster mental health for distinct university student populations.




College Students with ADHD


Book Description

Not long ago, conventional wisdom held that ADHD was a disorder of childhood only—that somewhere during puberty or adolescence, the child would outgrow it. Now we know better: the majority of children with the disorder continue to display symptoms throughout adolescence and into adulthood. It is during the teen and young adult years that the psychological and academic needs of young people with ADHD change considerably, and clinical and campus professionals are not always sufficiently prepared to meet the challenge. College Students with ADHD is designed to bring the professional reader up to speed. The book reviews the latest findings on ADHD in high school and college students, assessment methods, and pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions. Practical guidelines are included for helping young adults make the transition to college, so they may cope with their disorder and do as well as possible in school and social settings. Coverage is straightforward, realistic, and geared toward optimum functioning and outcomes. Among the topics featured: - Background information, from current statistics to diagnostic issues. - ADHD in high school adolescents. - ADHD in college students: behavioral, academic, and psychosocial functioning. - Assessment of ADHD in college students. - Psychosocial/educational treatment of ADHD in college students. - Pharmacotherapy for college students with ADHD. - Future directions for practice and research. The comprehensive information in College Students with ADHD provides a wealth of information to researchers and professionals working with this population, including clinical and school psychologists, school and college counselors, special education teachers, social workers, developmental psychologists, and disability support staff on college campuses, as well as allied mental health providers.




Students' Experiences of Psychosocial Problems in Higher Education


Book Description

Around the world, students in higher education suffer from and deal with psychosocial problems. This phenomenon is universal and seems to be increasing.




Mental Health Issues and the University Student


Book Description

Case-based intervention strategies for mental health professionals working with college and university students. Young adults enter college with many challenges—complicated family dynamics, identity issues, and extreme pressure to succeed, among others. Students may also have mental health difficulties, ranging from adjustment disorders to mood disorders, and growing numbers of them are seeking help on campus. But these students are also resilient and eager to learn, stepping onto campus with hope for a new and better phase of life. Doris Iarovici, a psychiatrist at Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services, sees in college and university mental health services an opportunity for mental health professionals to bring about positive change with young people during a crucial period of their development. Dr. Iarovici describes the current college mental health crisis and narrates how college mental health services have evolved along with changes in student populations. She discusses students’ lifestyle problems and psychiatric concerns, using case vignettes to explore a variety of interventions. Included are discussions of substance abuse, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, depression and anxiety, and culture clashes. Problems uniquely addressed in this book include sleep disturbances and perfectionism. An essential component of the volume is a guide to making emergency assessments, from risk classification and hospitalization to public safety and communication within and outside the campus community.




College Student Development


Book Description

Prepares readers to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse college student population This is a timely and comprehensive overview of key theories of student development that illustrates their application across a range of student services with diverse student populations. It is distinguished by its focus on nontraditional student populations including adults changing careers, parents, veterans, and international students. The book examines relevant theories of cognitive, ethical, moral, and personality development and theories of identity development in terms of ethnicity, gender, and ability. Also covered are theories relevant to disability issues, LGBT identity issues, and to choice of career and major/degree. Unique to the text is information on how theories can be applied, beyond understanding individual students, to student groups and to guide the coordination of student affairs services across the campus. Engaging case vignettes immerse readers in diverse perspectives and demonstrate the application of theory to a wide range of student types and issues. The book covers the history and development of each theory along with its strengths and limitations. Also included are useful suggestions on how to best assist students with current challenges. Reflective questions concluding each chapter help students to reinforce information. An insightful text for courses in college student development in relevant graduate programs and for student affairs professionals who wish to enhance their abilities, this book reflects the realities of contemporary college student life and student affairs practices. Key Features: Applies student development theories primarily to non-traditional college students Presents chapter-opening/closing examples reflecting student diversity Explores the strengths and limitations of each theory Describes how theories can be applied in varied student affairs settings and in broader contexts of student affairs Includes instructor’s resources




Handbook of Research on Organizational Justice and Culture in Higher Education Institutions


Book Description

Fairness in the workplace is a key element to the successful management and development of an organization. By evaluating the treatment of employees within educational settings, as well as examining their reaction to fair and effective leadership practices, an institution gains a competitive edge within the global academic landscape. The Handbook of Research on Organizational Justice and Culture in Higher Education Institutions examines employee perspectives and behavior within educational settings. Highlighting the application of organizational integrity practices being used to meet the demands of institutional employees within developing and developed economies, this publication is a vital reference source for academicians, professionals, researchers, and students interested in higher education business management and development.




Mental Health Crisis in Higher Education


Book Description

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a sudden transition from traditional face-to-face instruction to online and blended learning. The repercussions of this seismic change have left an indelible mark on students, particularly those thrust into the challenging realm of fully engaging in online learning during this tumultuous period. As we navigate the delicate landscape of higher education post-pandemic, a critical gap in scholarly literature becomes glaringly apparent; there is a scarcity of focused works addressing the nuanced well-being of students in this new academic reality. Mental Health Crisis in Higher Education is a groundbreaking book that boldly steps into this void, offering a comprehensive and meticulously researched examination of the challenges faced by students transitioning from secondary to higher education amid the pandemic. By delving into stressors, coping mechanisms, and the intricate web of factors influencing emotional, psychological, and physical well-being, the book is an invaluable resource for academics, researchers, and institutions seeking to understand and address the multifaceted dimensions of student well-being.