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A Blueprint for Measuring and Improving Graduate Student Mental Health
- Source :
-
Journal of American College Health . 2024 72(3):812-818. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Objective: We provide a step-by-step guide for developing, administering, evaluating, and acting on a survey-based study of graduate student mental health. Methods: Blueprint focuses on forging student-faculty collaboration and is based on Harvard University's Graduate Student Mental Health Initiative (GSMHI). The survey tool we use includes validated screening instruments for depression, anxiety, imposter phenomenon, self-esteem, alcohol consumption, exercise and sleep habits, and loneliness. It also includes environmental questions that collect epidemiologic data, as well as ratings of advising relationships and student dynamics. Results: After 6 years, GSMHI has analyzed data from 30 different PhD programs and 4,866 students, overseen the implementation of more than 60 departmental action plans, and performed 9 follow-up surveys to assess progress. It has achieved high response rates (60-90%), discovered wide variation in mental health and environmental factors across departments, and supported experiments with interventions. Conclusion: We hope this blueprint helps other universities run similar initiatives.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0744-8481 and 1940-3208
- Volume :
- 72
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- Journal of American College Health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ1421285
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2057804