Building a more resilient culture within higher education and the local community: a community development approach
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Research suggest that Australian higher education students experience higher rates of psychological distress. A more close analysis reveal that rural students, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those experiencing transitional and financial stress are at the increased risk of experiencing a mental health problem. While many students struggle to complete their university studies, only some students choose to seek help at various occasions. Anecdotal evidences and interactions with University Students provides variety of reasons for not seeking help early on which could have supported them in maintaining a positive work-life balance. In this presentation, the author will explore some of the myths and realities around this help seeking behaviour and present some strategies to build a strong resilient culture specially by discussing the relevance of developing University level policy that will not only address the issues on mental health but will promote a resilient culture with in the community. The author argues that stronger partnerships with community sector, community mental health service systems, and an effective and timely student support services are required. By strengthening the already existing programs, incorporating evidence based intervention models and placing an increased focus on student well-being projects, universities can play an important role in the wellbeing of students within their institutions. Similarly, Universities are in a better position to undertake research activities to understand more about the nature of mental ill-health in university students and develop the evidence base for effective interventions which can be implemented through community partnerships and collaborations; thus promoting a resilient culture in the sector.
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Inaugural Australasian Mental Health and Higher Education Conference 2017
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978-0-9954470-5-9
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1
Location
Townsville, QLD, Australia
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James Cook University
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Publisher Location
Townsville, QLD, Australia
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