Mental Health Inventory, Practices and Challenges of Private Higher Education Institutions in Calapan City Towards a Proposed Intervention Program
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21564358Keywords:
Mental health inventory, Private HEIs, THRIVE CAMPUS, Student well-being, Calapan CityAbstract
This study examined the mental health inventory, practices, and challenges within five private higher education institutions in Calapan City to develop a targeted intervention program. Utilizing an explanatory embedded mixed-methods research design, data were gathered from 100 student respondents across various academic programs and year levels. Quantitative assessments measured levels of anxiety, depression, emotional control, positive affect, and life satisfaction, while qualitative insights explored student experiences and institutional barriers. Findings revealed that students occasionally experienced anxiety and depression-related symptoms with academic grade pressure and sleep disturbances identified as primary stressors. Despite these challenges, respondents maintained a high level of positive affect and life satisfaction. Institutional mental health practices were generally perceived as implemented; however, significant gaps in visibility, consistency, and proactive screening were identified. Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences in the mental health inventory across most demographic variables, except for sex, which showed significant variations in depression and emotional control. A significant positive correlation was found between direct mental health services and students' positive affect and life satisfaction. Based on these results, the researcher proposed the “THRIVE CAMPUS” Student Mental Health Support Program. This initiative transitions institutions from reactive crisis responses to a proactive, system-wide framework emphasizing academic stress management, regular screenings, and enhanced counseling accessibility.
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