Abstract:
In 2015, a study was conducted by the Psychological student counseling centers in Austria (PSB), an institution frequently visited by students and prospective students, to assess general psychopathology and psychological distress levels using the Brief Symptom Checklist (BSCL; Franke 2017).
In 2022, this study was repeated to evaluate changes over time in the mental health profiles of incoming clients. Results showed that, as in 2015, clients’ symptom scores were significantly elevated; however, in 2022, scores were significantly higher, with medium effect sizes, suggesting an increase in mental health challenges. This trend appears to have been present before COVID-19 but may have been reinforced by the pandemic. The increase in psychological distress was highest among clients seeking counseling on concerns not related to mental disorders, such as choosing or changing a study program or learning difficulties.
These findings highlight a growing need for mental health support among students concerning mental disorders as well as issues related to their academic pathways.
Über die Autor*innen:
- Franz Oberlehner,
Dr., Klinischer Psychologe, Gesundheitspsychologe, Psychotherapeut, Leiter der Psychologischen Studierendenberatung (PSB) Wien - Nicole Undeutsch,
Mag., Klinische Psychologin, Gesundheitspsychologin, Psychotherapeutin in Ausbildung unter Supervision, Mitarbeiterin der Psychologischen Studierendenberatung (PSB) Wien - Laura Waschulin,
Mag., Klinische Psychologin, Gesundheitspsychologin, Psychotherapeutin in Ausbildung unter Supervision, Mitarbeiterin der Psychologischen Studierendenberatung (PSB) Wien
