The Current Scene in College Student Mental Health

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the current state of college student mental health. It describes the contextual factors affecting college students’ mental health, such as institutional funding devoted to students’ wellbeing; the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences; and sociopolitical realities such as racism, gun violence and anti-Semitism. The sensationalistic and opportunistic portrayal of college student mental health in popular media is explored, as are the positive and negative effects of social media on students’ wellbeing. Finally, the current scene with regard to college student mental health is placed in a historical context to highlight long-standing concerns and changing trends facing today’s college students.

Citation

Hayes, J.A. (2024), "The Current Scene in College Student Mental Health", College Student Mental Health and Wellness: Coping on Campus, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83549-194-220241001