Understanding mental health stressors to truly support University of Hull students

Eleana Davidson on 19 December 2019
Understanding mental health stressors to truly support University of Hull students

In response to the growing issue of mental health amongst students, University of Hull sought an accredited research partner with experience of working with students to help them better understand how they could provide better support for those in FE.

We conducted a survey during Mental Health Awareness Week with students aged 16-18 on our panel. The survey was open for just 48 hours, in which we exceeded our target responses. We worked collaboratively to uncover causes of stress and anxiety, sources of support, how they manage their mental health, and where and how they would like to receive support, if at all. 

Each of these was addressed with sensitivity and all responses were anonymous, so we were able to explore a typically private and misunderstood subject within the demographic.

The survey included a key question where respondents were asked to complete a validated tool to measure stress levels (the Perceived Stress Scale). This allowed us to segment audiences based on those who measured low and high on the scale, generating insights into the different coping strategies being used. 

As a result, University of Hull received a comprehensive report on student mental health, with segmented data on those that had high or low stress, around a subject which isn’t usually shared openly and freely with institutions on a mass scale. The University of Hull has used this to create a strategy to support students and an institution environment that reflects just that. 

Eleana Davidson
Eleana Davidson on 19 December 2019