Thesis Abstract

Abstract

Mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and stress, are prevalent among university students, often adversely affecting their academic performance, personal well-being, and overall quality of life. Peer counseling programs, where trained students provide emotional support and guidance to their peers, have emerged as a promising approach to addressing mental health concerns on college campuses. This study aims to explore the impact of peer counseling programs on mental health outcomes among university students. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, combining quantitative measures of mental health indicators (e.g., anxiety, depression, and stress levels) and qualitative interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of students' experiences with peer counseling. The findings of this study will contribute to the existing literature on peer-based interventions and inform the development and implementation of effective peer counseling programs tailored to the unique needs of university students.

Thesis Overview

Chapter 1: Introduction

The transition to university life can be a challenging period for many students, marked by increased academic demands, social pressures, and personal responsibilities. These challenges, coupled with the developmental changes inherent to this stage of life, can significantly impact students' mental health and well-being. Research has consistently shown high prevalence rates of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and stress, among university student populations worldwide.^1^

Mental health challenges can have far-reaching consequences for students, including academic difficulties, strained interpersonal relationships, and decreased overall quality of life.^2^ In response to these concerns, universities have implemented various mental health support services, including counseling centers, therapy groups, and educational programs. However, many students face barriers to accessing traditional mental health services, such as stigma, lack of awareness, and limited availability of resources.^3^

Peer counseling programs have emerged as a promising approach to addressing mental health concerns on college campuses. These programs involve trained student volunteers, often referred to as peer counselors or peer supporters, who provide emotional support, guidance, and referrals to professional services when necessary. Peer counseling programs are grounded in the principles of peer support and the belief that students may feel more comfortable seeking help from individuals who share similar experiences and backgrounds.^4^

While peer counseling programs have gained popularity in recent years, there is a need for rigorous research to evaluate their impact on mental health outcomes among university students. Existing studies have yielded mixed results, with some reporting positive effects on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression,^5^ while others have found limited or no significant impact.^6^ Furthermore, most studies have relied solely on quantitative measures, failing to capture the subjective experiences and perspectives of students who have participated in peer counseling programs.

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by exploring the impact of peer counseling programs on mental health outcomes among university students. Specifically, the research objectives are:

1. To assess the effectiveness of peer counseling programs in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress among university students.
2. To explore the subjective experiences and perspectives of students who have participated in peer counseling programs, gaining insights into the strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.
3. To identify key factors that contribute to the success or failure of peer counseling programs in improving mental health outcomes among university students.

By addressing these objectives, the study will provide valuable insights for university administrators, mental health professionals, and policymakers, enabling them to develop and implement effective peer counseling programs tailored to the unique needs of university student populations.

In the subsequent chapters, a comprehensive review of the relevant literature will be presented, followed by a detailed description of the research methodology, data analysis, and the presentation of findings. The study's implications for theory and practice, as well as recommendations for future research, will be discussed in the concluding chapter.

Footnotes:

1. Auerbach, R. P., Alonso, J., Axinn, W. G., Cuijpers, P., Ebert, D. D., Green, J. G., ... & Nock, M. K. (2016). Mental disorders among college students in the World Health Organization world mental health surveys. Psychological Medicine, 46(14), 2955-2970.
2. Eisenberg, D., Golberstein, E., & Hunt, J. B. (2009). Mental health and academic success in college. The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, 9(1), Article 40.
3. Vidourek, R. A., King, K. A., Nabors, L. A., & Merianos, A. L. (2014). Students' benefits and barriers to mental health help-seeking. Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 2(1), 1009-1022.
4. Byrom, N. (2018). Supporting students with mental health issues: A guide for peer supporters. London: Student Minds.
5. Conley, C. S., Durlak, J. A., & Dickson, D. A. (2013). An evaluative review of outcome research on universal mental health promotion and prevention programs for higher education students. Journal of American College Health, 61(5), 286-301.
6. Conley, C. S., Durlak, J. A., & Kirsch, A. C. (2015). A meta-analysis of universal mental health prevention programs for higher education students. Prevention Science, 16(4), 487-507.