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Grand Challenges

Grand Challenges in Student Mental Health

The 2011 report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists drew attention to the fact that university students are at particular risk of developing mental health problems, and face specific challenges in accessing appropriate support. Research has estimated that around 29% of students experience mental distress, however there is considerable variability in prevalence statistics.

About Grand Challenges

This research project was designed as a first step to begin to understand where efforts to improve the state of student mental health might be directed. By asking current and recent university students, along with university staff (including mental health advisors, university counsellors and academic teaching staff) several key challenges facing student mental health were identified.

Thematic analysis was used to identify 13 themes:
  •    Academic pressure and concerns about future employability.
  •    Study skills and support.
  •    The university academic environment.
  •    Life skills and personal development.
  •    Accessing support through the NHS.
  •    Accessing support in general.
  •    Structures for pastoral support and mentoring.
  •    Managing the transition to university.
  •    University lifestyle.
  •    relationships.  
  •    Coordinating responsibility for student mental health and wellbeing.
  •    Campaign messages and public attitudes.
  •    International students. ​

Download the full report

Download the summary

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  • Find Support
    • Support for me >
      • Our Peer Support Programmes >
        • Our confidentiality commitment
        • Support for specific difficulties
      • Support at your university and further
      • University staff-run workshops
    • Support for a friend >
      • Starting a conversation
      • Looking after yourself
    • Support for parents
    • Resources >
      • Transitions >
        • Transition into University
        • Know Before You Go
        • Transitions for staff
      • Starting University
      • Exam stress
      • LGBTQ+
      • Looking after your mental wellbeing
      • Year Abroad
      • Student finance
      • Mind Matters
      • Support through a family health crisis
  • About
    • What we do >
      • Our impact
    • Our team >
      • Clinical Advisors
    • Our supporters
  • Get Involved
    • Student volunteering >
      • Student groups
      • Campaign groups >
        • Campaigns training
      • Peer support groups >
        • Apply to be a peer support facilitator
        • Set up a peer support group
      • Men’s Mental Health
      • Write for us
      • Research Studies
    • University staff >
      • Setting up a peer support group >
        • Students Minds peer support set up
        • Peer support Train the Trainer
      • Mental Health in Sport
      • Look After Your Mate
    • Students’ Unions
    • Charter >
      • Charter FAQs
  • Information Hub
    • Latest news
    • National campaigns >
      • Current campaigns >
        • Use your voice: Responding to Government Proposals
      • Previous campaigns
    • Research and publications >
      • The Role of an Academic
      • LGBTQ+ Research​
      • Student Voices
      • Graduate Wellbeing
      • Student Living
      • Grand Challenges
      • University Peer Support
      • University Challenge
      • Looking After a Mate
      • Summary of HEFCE’s Report
    • Media and Press Centre >
      • Press highlights
      • Press releases
    • Materials and resources
  • Support Us
    • Donate >
      • Easy fundraising
      • Payroll giving
    • Fundraise >
      • Fundraising events
      • Fundraising tips
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      • Paying in money
      • Fundraising Resources
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  • Volunteer hub