Second Caring Universities research results: students are reporting more psychological issues
In June 2020, Caring Universities researched the mental health and resilience of students. This was repeated again in January 2021. The results of this second investigation show that more students are reporting psychological issues such as stress and mood swings than during the first investigation.
These results may not be representative as only 9.5% of students completed the questionnaire. It is possible that results were influenced by the fact that the questionnaire was completed primarily by students who are experiencing psychological issues. Nevertheless, Caring Universities is taking this signal very seriously.
The universities are continuing to monitor the wellbeing of their students and are working hard to continue improving and expanding support services for students. It is anticipated that students will be invited to complete another questionnaire in November 2021.
View the research results (pdf in Dutch)
Accessible online self-help programmes
Via Caring Universities you can follow a range of free online self-help programmes aimed at improving your wellbeing. You can also receive guidance from an online coach. Students who have followed these programmes have been very happy with them. Why don’t you try one too?
- Dealing with the corona crisis
Via the SolutionShop you can learn to deal with 13 of the most commonly-occurring corona problems. - Need a pick-me-up?
Follow the Moodpep programme and learn to improve your mood in 7 modules - Stress
In the Rel@x programme you can learn what stress really is and how to deal with it. - Procrastination
Conquer procrastination with the Get started programme.
You can soon also follow programmes about sleeping well and coping with the pressure to perform. Find out more about what is currently on offer on the Caring Universities website.
Student wellbeing website and Wellbeing Wednesdays
In addition to Caring Universities, Leiden University also offers other ways to support your wellbeing:
- Visit the Student Wellbeing website. Here you can find tips and information to help you work on your own wellbeing, as well as details of who you can turn to for support.
- Take part in Wellbeing Wednesdays and boost your wellbeing every last Wednesday of the month, each time with a different theme. Read more and sign up!
Working together for student wellbeing
Caring Universities is a collaboration between the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Leiden University, Maastricht University and Utrecht University. By way of a mental health check (an online questionnaire), the mental health of students at the four participating universities is regularly checked. Students are also offered E-health tools to help them work on their own wellbeing.