Report | What works to tackle mental health inequalities in higher education?

_{17 May 2022}

Summary

Research has found that higher education students experience higher levels of psychological distress than the general population. However, some student groups are more likely to experience poor mental health than others, including students from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, students of low socioeconomic status, mature students, LGBTQ+ students and care-experienced students.

Given that these groups of students also experience poorer higher education outcomes, it may be that poor mental health compounds other higher education inequalities.

This report explores the factors affecting student mental health in higher education and provides an analysis of the interventions used to support them. It reviews the existing evidence base for the effectiveness of different interventions and the quality of that evidence base. It then identifies the interventions that appear to be most effective, alongside those that show promise. 

The findings are organised by intervention type and, against each, we discuss the type, quality and strength of the evidence, key features of the intervention, evidence of outcomes impacted, and whether any studies are focused on specific at-risk groups.

The findings from the review are supported by a mixed-methods sector consultation, discussing themes related to disclosure, targeted support and evaluation. Key stakeholders were invited to complete and survey and participate in five online roundtable discussions, structured around different types of providers.

The report also sets out key recommendations for future research.

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