Study on the Relationship between Mental Health Literacy and Psychological Symptoms of University Students: Mediating Effect of Grit

Abstract

Background: The occurrence of mental health symptoms is higher in individuals aged between 18 and 24 years than in other age groups. Mental health literacy is derived from health literacy, and focuses on the knowledge, attitudes, and competencies that individuals need to acquire to manage their own health effectively. Low mental health literacy is associated with poorer mental health. Grit is also a known protective factor against mental disorders. Despite a heightened focus on mental health literacy and grit as important factors for decreasing mental health symptoms, knowledge of the effect of mental health literacy and grit on mental health symptoms is very limited. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between mental health literacy and psychological symptoms and the mediating effect of grit on these relationships. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study used survey data from 178 university students in Korea. Data were collected between March and May 2022. The SPSS PROCESS macro (Model 4) was used to analyze the data. Results: Mental health literacy was not directly associated with psychological symptoms. However, an indirect pathway was observed between mental health literacy, depression, and anxiety, through grit. Conclusion: Mental health literacy affects psychological symptoms through grit. Therefore, to improve the mental health of university students, it is necessary to develop programs that increase mental health literacy and grit.