Staying healthy while studying, yes, but how?

Protecting the mental health of students

What is mental health?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as “a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”.

Why focus on the protective factors for student mental health?

During their studies, the mental health of students is often put to the test. Research generally focuses on health problems and risk factors. They also show an upward trend in these issues, particularly those related to mental health. However, most students are doing well. How do they do it? Little is known on this topic.

Finding an answer to this question which so far has rarely been addressed by surveying students, and supplementing it with what we already know harms their mental health, could improve their student experience, and therefore allow them to fully enjoy their studies.

A team from La Source is therefore launching the first phase of a study with 1st and 2nd year bachelor degree students in all the universities of the HES-SO network.

Muriel, a student at La Source, encourages you to participate in this study!

In French…

Aim of the research

The researchers will specifically examine whether certain factors protect the mental health of UAS students and whether their effect still lasts after 12 months.

This knowledge will then be used to develop primary prevention and mental health promotion interventions for this population.

Process

Data will be collected in 2 phases:

  • End of February 2020: first online survey, duration approximately 15 minutes.
  • End of February 2021: second survey 12 months after the first one (same duration).

What are the benefits for those who participate in this study?

By dedicating about 15 minutes to each of the two surveys, the students will have the satisfaction of having contributed to the definition of courses of action to promote mental health and positively influence the well-being of the student community as a whole.

To reward their effort, a prize draw of 50 vouchers worth CHF 30 will be held at the end of the first phase.

To participate

All you have to do is click on the link that you will receive by email from your university during the week of February the 24th .

The link will also be available on this web page at the same time.

Contact

Do you have any questions or need additional information? Contact us: