A Mental Health Self-Screening Tool for Graduate Students

Abstract

Background: Excessive perceived stress and mental health crises are escalating among college students. About 50% meet mental health disorder criteria, and half of them receive inadequate treatment.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a 15-20 minute online, anonymous, mental health self-screening survey and resource tool for graduate students across a large midwestern university campus.

Methods: A descriptive, correlational design addressed the study's aims. Recruitment occurred through multiple campus communication mechanisms and included a brief study description, quick reference (QR) code, and weblink to access the tool and survey. Data collected with the tool included demographic items and scores from standardized screening instruments measuring burnout, perceived stress, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol misuse, and health behavior practices. Descriptive and correlational statistics were computed.

Results: Among 778 graduate students who accessed and completed the survey, nearly 60% met the burnout threshold, 58% scored 8 (of 16) on the stress scale, 32% met the depression threshold, 47% met the anxiety threshold, 54% reported one or more symptoms of PTSD, and 38% reported poor health behaviors. Significant positive correlations (r = 0.184 to 0.615) were found between burnout, perceived stress, depression, and anxiety. Health behavior scores were significantly negatively correlated (r = -0.151 to -0.283) with burnout, perceived stress, depression, and anxiety. Scores differed by gender, race, and graduate student status (part-time vs. full-time). Female identifying students, age, and hours worked per week were associated with various outcome scores. Students commented that the tool needed more specific resources tailored to their scores.

Conclusions: The data support the need for tailored coping resources based on student self-reported data. Video-based micromodules guiding individuals through coping skills (breathing, mindfulness, identifying negative thoughts, gratitude exercises) have since been developed and will be studied as a tailored resource for students.