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Hyseni Duraku Z, Davis H, Hamiti E. Mental health, study skills, social support, and barriers to seeking psychological help among university students: a call for mental health support in higher education. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1220614. [PMID: 37920583 PMCID: PMC10619655 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1220614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Poor mental health among youths is a complex worldwide issue. Many countries with medium-to-low levels of development, particularly those in Southern Europe, have not introduced appropriate mental health and educational strategies to identify the key factors influencing wellbeing, promote psychological wellbeing, and prevent poor mental health among youths. In response to these trends, we sought to uncover insights for developing interventions for youth mental wellbeing. We assessed mental health, study skills, barriers to seeking psychological help, and perceived social support among Kosovar university students, and investigated their experiences with professional mental health services and their needs and perceptions regarding the importance of professional mental health services on campus. Methods The study used a parallel mixed-methods design. Participants included 234 university students. Quantitative data were gathered through validated questionnaires, including the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Academic Anxiety Scale, Study Skills Assessment Questionnaire, and the Barriers to Seeking Psychological Help Scale. Qualitative data on the students' experiences with mental health services and their perceptions regarding the importance of professional university mental health services were explored through open-ended questions. Results Most students experienced anxiety and depression, more than half were stressed, and most reported poor or moderate study skills. Lack of trust in mental health professionals was a major barrier to seeking psychological help, followed by difficulties in self-disclosure. Perceived social support and academic anxiety were significant predictors of barriers to seeking psychological help. The participants believed that mental health and academic support from the university would help improve their mental wellbeing, study skills, self-esteem, self-perception, and attitudes toward social support; raise awareness regarding mental health; and help them overcome personal and academic challenges. Discussion Our findings highlight the need for more comprehensive and accessible mental health services on campuses. By providing adequate support and resources to address various personal and academic factors that contribute to mental health issues in university students, universities can enhance students' academic success and personal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zamira Hyseni Duraku
- Department of Psychology, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Pristina, Kosovo
| | - Holly Davis
- University Counseling Service, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Era Hamiti
- Department of Psychology, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Pristina, Kosovo
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Cerolini S, Zagaria A, Franchini C, Maniaci VG, Fortunato A, Petrocchi C, Speranza AM, Lombardo C. Psychological Counseling among University Students Worldwide: A Systematic Review. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:1831-1849. [PMID: 37754472 PMCID: PMC10528000 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13090133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
University counseling services (UCSs) are actively involved in mental health assessment and in supplying interventions aimed at preventing, facing and possibly overcoming psychological problems. However, we do not have a global overview of psychological counseling among universities. This systematic review aims at reviewing the literature on university psychological counseling, including articles documenting: (1) mental health and attitudes regarding help-seeking behaviors and UCSs among university students or counselors, (2) the description of protocols/services among UCSs, (3) the efficacy of psychological counseling/interventions among university students (both face-to-face and internet-delivered interventions). The study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO. After defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, a literature search was conducted, identifying 7085 records. Finally, 152 articles met the review eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results are divided into seven thematic topics that emerged during the analysis of the literature. The results mainly showed that face-to-face and web-based counseling/psychological interventions improve university students' mental health. Cross-sectional studies showed that many biases exist toward help-seeking behaviors, especially among international students. Both students and counselors must strive to overcome cultural barriers. Available resources for UCSs are scarce and need to be strengthened, as well as efficacy studies through randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cerolini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Andrea Zagaria
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Costanza Franchini
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (V.G.M.); (A.F.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Vito Giuseppe Maniaci
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (V.G.M.); (A.F.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Alexandro Fortunato
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (V.G.M.); (A.F.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Chiara Petrocchi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (V.G.M.); (A.F.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Caterina Lombardo
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.Z.); (C.L.)
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Speranza AM, Franchini C, Quintigliano M, Andreassi S, Morelli M, Cerolini S, Petrocchi C, Fortunato A. Psychodynamic university counseling: which factors predict psychological functioning after intervention? Front Psychol 2023; 14:1134510. [PMID: 37235097 PMCID: PMC10205979 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1134510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction University counseling centers represent important resources for personal development, and students are increasingly turning to them for help. The present study aimed at, first, evaluating changing in psychological functioning before and after a university counseling intervention and, second, exploring which psychological variables predicted the intervention outcome. Methods For this purpose, 122 students who attended university counseling services were administered measures to assess personality traits, and measures to assess state variables - intended as contextual, rather than stable, alterations in functioning - such as anxiety, hopelessness and depression. Several Linear Mixed Models were performed to measure the differences between OQ-45 scores before and after the intervention (one for each OQ dimension and OQ total score); then, two steps of multiple regression analyses were performed. Results Significative reductions between pre-test and post-test OQ-45 scores were found, highlighting increased levels of well-being; personality traits seem not to be predictive of the intervention outcome, while state variables significantly contribute to the psychological wellbeing improvement after counseling intervention. Discussion Our findings highlight the importance of paying attention to the role of affective difficulties in predicting the counseling effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Costanza Franchini
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Quintigliano
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Andreassi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Morelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Cerolini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Petrocchi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alexandro Fortunato
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Scruggs R, Broglia E, Barkham M, Duncan C. The impact of psychological distress and university counselling on academic outcomes: Analysis of a routine practice‐based dataset. COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/capr.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Scruggs
- The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Lutterworth UK
| | - Emma Broglia
- Department of Psychology University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Michael Barkham
- Department of Psychology University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Charlie Duncan
- The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Lutterworth UK
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Cerutti R, Fontana A, Ghezzi V, Menozzi F, Spensieri V, Tambelli R. Exploring psychopathological distress in Italian university students seeking help: A picture from a university counselling service. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00665-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Broglia E, Bewick B, Barkham M. Using rich data to inform student mental health practice and policy. COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/capr.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Broglia
- Department of Psychology The University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Bridgette Bewick
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine University of Leeds Leeds UK
| | - Michael Barkham
- Department of Psychology The University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
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Lokhee S, Hogg RC. Depression, stress and self-stigma towards seeking psychological help in veterinary students. Aust Vet J 2021; 99:309-317. [PMID: 33880748 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous research indicates that the prevalence of depression among veterinarians and veterinary students is high. Although self-stigma in seeking psychological help is reportedly elevated in veterinary students, its impact on mental health has been largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of study-related stress, depression symptoms and self-stigma in veterinary students with those of non-veterinary students, and examine whether stress and self-stigma positively predicted depression symptoms in veterinary students. A total of 287 veterinary students and 317 non-veterinary students from Australian universities completed an online questionnaire measuring study-related stress, self-stigma and depression symptoms. Results showed that veterinary students reported significantly higher levels of stress and self-stigma than non-veterinary students, but there was no significant difference between veterinary and non-veterinary students in depression symptoms. Multiple regression analysis indicated that stress and self-stigma both predicted depression symptoms in veterinary students. These findings suggest that reducing stress and help-seeking self-stigma in veterinary students may be important in improving their wellbeing levels. These findings are important in developing a whole-of-career life course approach to understanding the professional and psychological experiences of veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lokhee
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, 2751, Australia
| | - R C Hogg
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2678, Australia
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Rahmadiana M, Karyotaki E, Schulte M, Ebert DD, Passchier J, Cuijpers P, Berger T, van Ballegooijen W, Wimbarti S, Riper H. Transdiagnostic Internet Intervention for Indonesian University Students With Depression and Anxiety: Evaluation of Feasibility and Acceptability. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e20036. [PMID: 33666553 PMCID: PMC7980121 DOI: 10.2196/20036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND University students with depression and anxiety do not easily receive or seek treatment; therefore, internet-based interventions have been suggested to be a promising way to improve treatment accessibility and availability. However, it has not been examined whether a guided, culturally adapted, transdiagnostic, internet-based intervention is effective for treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both among university students in Indonesia. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the feasibility (acceptability and satisfaction, usability, and uptake) of a guided, culturally adapted, transdiagnostic, internet-based intervention among university students with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both in Indonesia. METHODS Students from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, were screened for symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both, and filled online informed consent, demographic questionnaires, and a quality of life measure at pretreatment assessment (T0). Subsequently, the participants started the intervention. Seven weeks after T0, the primary outcomes of this feasibility study were analyzed at posttreatment assessment (T1) using the 8-item Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Mean and SDs for the CSQ-8 and SUS were calculated to examine feasibility. Within-group secondary outcomes (depression, anxiety, and quality of life) were inspected for outliers and normal distribution. Paired-sample t tests were used to investigate differences between time points of secondary outcomes. A mixed-method approach of quantitative and qualitative analyses was adopted. Both the primary and secondary outcomes were additionally explored with an individual semistructured interview and synthesized descriptively. RESULTS A total of 50 participants completed the intervention. We found a moderate to high level of satisfaction and acceptability, a slightly below-average level of desirable usability (≥70), and an adherence rate of 52% which was higher than expected given the novelty of the intervention. Results for the secondary outcomes indicated a decrease in depression and anxiety. For depression, the overall mean difference between the 2 time points for depression was 3.92 (95% CI 2.75-5.1; Hedges g 1.15; P<.001). For anxiety, the overall mean difference between the 2 time points was 3.34 (95% CI 2.06-4.61; Hedges g 1.02; P<.001). Further, a moderate effect in improving quality of life was found (g=0.50). Overall, participants were positive about the online intervention and ECoaches (online guidance), and they found the intervention to be culturally appropriate. CONCLUSIONS A culturally adapted, transdiagnostic, internet-based intervention appears to be acceptable and feasible for reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both, and increasing quality of life in university students in Indonesia. Future studies should include a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of such interventions as they may supplement existing counseling services in universities, reduce the treatment costs, and maximize treatment accessibility in low-resourced settings. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1016/j.invent.2018.11.002.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metta Rahmadiana
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eirini Karyotaki
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mieke Schulte
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - David Daniel Ebert
- Division of Online Health Training, Innovation Incubator, Leuphana University of Lueneburg, Lueneburg, Germany.,Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Clinical Psychology and EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan Passchier
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wouter van Ballegooijen
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre/GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Supra Wimbarti
- Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Heleen Riper
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre/GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Riva Crugnola C, Preti E, Bottini M, Rosaria Fontana M, Sarno I, Ierardi E, Madeddu F. Effectiveness of a university counseling intervention based on a psychodynamic approach. Bull Menninger Clin 2020; 84:373-398. [PMID: 33779236 DOI: 10.1521/bumc.2020.84.4.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The study examined the effectiveness of a brief psychodynamic counseling intervention on psychological distress and general life satisfaction in a sample of 124 students by comparing pre- and posttreatment data. The authors also tested the moderating role of pretreatment attachment styles. Results showed that most participants (57%) can be classified as a nonclinical population, whereas only a minority of participants belong to a clinical population (17%) and a subclinical population (26%) according to the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R). Psychodynamic counseling intervention was shown to be associated with a decrease in the Global Severity Index and the anxiety and depression subscales of the SCL-90-R. Clinical effectiveness was greater for participants belonging to the clinical group. General life satisfaction increased significantly for all students. The authors found no moderation effect of attachment styles. Brief psychodynamic counseling intervention was associated with a reduction of psychological distress and an increase in life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emanuele Preti
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Bottini
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Irene Sarno
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Ierardi
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Madeddu
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Bani M, Zorzi F, Corrias D, Strepparava M. Reducing psychological distress and improving students well-being and academic self-efficacy: the effectiveness of a cognitive university counselling service for clinical and non-clinical situations. BRITISH JOURNAL OF GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2020.1840512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano – Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Federico Zorzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Deborah Corrias
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano – Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Strepparava
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano – Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Mental Health, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
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11
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Predictors of psychological distress amongst nursing students: A multicenter cross-sectional study. Nurse Educ Pract 2020; 44:102758. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2020.102758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Buizza C, Ghilardi A, Olivetti E, Costa A. Dropouts from a university counselling service: a quantitative and qualitative study. BRITISH JOURNAL OF GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2019.1566513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Olivetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Costa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Østergård OK, Fenger M, Hougaard E. Symptomatic distress and effectiveness of psychological treatments delivered at a nationwide student counseling service. COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY QUARTERLY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2017.1410696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ole Karkov Østergård
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Morten Fenger
- Psychotherapeutic Centre Stolpegaard, Mental Health Services, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Esben Hougaard
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Broglia E, Millings A, Barkham M. Challenges to addressing student mental health in embedded counselling services: a survey of UK higher and further education institutions. BRITISH JOURNAL OF GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2017.1370695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Broglia
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Abigail Millings
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael Barkham
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Centre for Psychological Services Research, Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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15
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Broglia E, Millings A, Barkham M. The Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS-62): Acceptance, feasibility, and initial psychometric properties in a UK student population. Clin Psychol Psychother 2017; 24:1178-1188. [PMID: 28124512 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden and severity of student mental health continue to increase in parallel with increasing financial pressures on students and services alike. There is a need for a student-specific measure of distress that acknowledges their unique context. This study examined the feasibility, acceptance, and initial psychometric properties of a US measure, the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS), in a UK student sample. METHODS A sample of 294 UK help-seeking students from two universities completed the CCAPS-62 and Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE-10) as a comparator. The factor solution and reliability of the CCAPS-62 were examined. Correlations and clinical boundaries were determined between the CCAPS-62 subscales and CORE-10, and comparisons were made with US published norms. RESULTS The CCAPS-62 demonstrated a strong factor solution that matched the intended subscales. All subscales had good reliability and correlated significantly with the CORE-10. The agreement on caseness between the two measures was 92.8% with 86.3% reaching clinical threshold on both the CCAPS-62 and CORE-10. Severity was most noticeable for academic distress, depression, anxiety, and social anxiety. Compared to US data, UK students showed higher clinical severity for all psychological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The CCAPS-62 is a reliable and psychometrically valid assessment measure to use with UK students without revision. The overall distress indicated is similar to that of the CORE-10, but the individual subscales are more informative of specific student concerns including academic distress, social anxiety, and substance abuse. Potential benefits of administering a student-focused assessment measure in student counselling services are discussed. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE University students attending counselling in the UK demonstrate clinical severity for academic distress, depression, anxiety, and social anxiety. Compared to university students in the US, UK students present with higher clinical severity on all contextual measures of student psychological distress. It is advantageous for university counselling services to administer a student-specific clinical measure over measures intended for the general clinical population. CCAPS-62 is an acceptable, feasible, and psychometrically valid measure of student psychological distress that can be used in the UK without revision. It is important for university counselling services to continue to provide support from therapists that are trained and experienced in the university context over services intended for the general clinical population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Broglia
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Abigail Millings
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael Barkham
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Centre for Psychological Services Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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16
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Biasi V, Patrizi N, Mosca M, De Vincenzo C. The effectiveness of university counselling for improving academic outcomes and well-being. BRITISH JOURNAL OF GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2016.1263826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Biasi
- Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Mosca
- Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
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