Nature and severity of college students' psychological concerns: A comparison of clinical and nonclinical national samples.

Abstract

counseling center staff members have expressed a growing concern about the perceived increasing severity of college students' presenting problems. The main goal of this study was to explore the nature and severity of college students' presenting problems by establishing a baseline measure. The research summarized here was derived from 3 large-scale studies involving 1 nonclinical and 2 clinical samples surveyed by counseling centers that were members of the Consortium of Counseling Psychological Services in Higher Education. The results of this study provided some evidence for the claim that the severity and chronicity of college students' presenting problems has been increasing over time. The results of the study were discussed in light of the existing literature and conclusions were drawn. Suggestions for university counseling centers were provided.

Demographics and complaints of university students who sought help at a campus mental health service between 1987 and 2004

“…8,13,14 In other studies, the complaints mainly comprise problems in the field of interpersonal relationships and worries about academic and career-related issues.…”

“…13,14,17 Although they may be few in number, students with serious mental health illness or psychological problems are highly demanding in terms of staff time and resources and they are especially challenging to campus mental health services. 2,15 A recent study suggested that campus mental health services can possibly reduce the delay between the onset of psychiatric conditions and its proper treatment.…”

The ABCDE-Model of counseling and psychotherapy: An integrative approach developed from clinical practice at a counseling service for students

“…Regarding the development of the mental health of students over time, there are several studies showing an increase in mental health problems of students [10,43]. Such a development is also evident on data concerning the demand for consultation at counseling services for students.…”

Evaluation of Psychosocial Problems Among African University Students in Uganda: Development and Validation of a Screening Instrument

“…(Erdur-Baker, Aberson, Barrow, & Draper, 2006) and to address those students with psychosocial problems. This may help in utilization of mental health services for vulnerable students.…”