Mental health interventions for university students: A critical review of literature

Journal article


Alloh A., Citi T., Maurer P., Nalubega S. and Bardi, J. (2023). Mental health interventions for university students: A critical review of literature . Psychreg: Journal of Psychology. 7 (3), pp. 1-18.
AuthorsAlloh A., Citi T., Maurer P., Nalubega S. and Bardi, J.
Abstract

Being a student, the high intensity of events within a university setting creates significant levels of stress, which may also be associated with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. This review aims to examine the impact of mental health interventions on mental health challenges among university students. A comprehensive literature search in Google Scholar, Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO, and APA. Thirty-two articles were included in the review from the database searched according to the PRISMA criteria. Eligible articles were appraised using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tools. In total, 14 randomised controlled trials and 19 cross-sectional studies with the intervention were included. Only eleven studies reported racial/ethnic characteristics of participants, and most of the studies (60%) involved female participants. Evidence indicates that cognitive-behavioural therapy applied in different modalities is a major effective therapy to reduce depression, anxiety, and suicidal symptoms and increase well-being. This review identified the effectiveness of mental health interventions on depression and anxiety among university students. The review highlighted the disparity of ethnic minority representation in mental health intervention studies; hence it is suggested that future research should incorporate elements of ethnic minorities in mental health interventions.

Keywordsanxiety; depression; interventions; mental health; university students; well-being
Year2023
JournalPsychreg: Journal of Psychology
Journal citation7 (3), pp. 1-18
PublisherPsychreg Ltd
ISSN2515-138X
Web address (URL)https://www.pjp.psychreg.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1-folashade-alloh-1-18.pdf
Publication dates
Print01 Dec 2023
Publication process dates
Accepted11 Nov 2023
Deposited11 Jan 2024
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Open
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