Six Psi Chi students spearheaded a project aimed at raising awareness about students' mental health needs at NSC. Under the supervision of Dr. Laura Naumann, the research team reviewed relevant literature and found validated scales to design a survey to measure students' mental health over the last semester, if the student had ever contemplated withdrawing from school, and the student's knowledge of mental health resources currently available to students. The ultimate goal of the survey was to draw attention to the growing need for more accessible (or on-campus) mental health facilities. After data collection and analysis, the research team presenting the preliminary findings campus leadership which included representation from the President, Provost, Vice Provosts, and Associate Vice Presidents.
Findings:
Over 350 NSC students participated (almost 10% of the entire student body). Across the entire sample, sixty-three percent of NSC students had, at least once, contemplated withdrawing from NSC. These students reported experiencing much higher levels of depression and stress compared to students who had never contemplated withdrawing.
Unfortunately, 64% of NSC students had no knowledge of the free resources available through UNLV’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) that could have helped them manage their depression and stress. Of the 35% of students who did know about CAPS, only a small minority (5%) had tried using CAPS before and only 1% had actually successfully attended CAPS. Furthermore, many students identified the distance, difficulty in navigating UNLV's campus, and cost (!!!) as primary deterrents for visiting CAPS. When posed with the hypothetical option of on-campus services, over two-thirds of students said they'd be somewhat or very likely to seek treatment if offered at NSC. Notably, most students (80%) were NOT worried about what others might think of them if they sought treatment.
Recommendations:
Findings:
Over 350 NSC students participated (almost 10% of the entire student body). Across the entire sample, sixty-three percent of NSC students had, at least once, contemplated withdrawing from NSC. These students reported experiencing much higher levels of depression and stress compared to students who had never contemplated withdrawing.
Unfortunately, 64% of NSC students had no knowledge of the free resources available through UNLV’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) that could have helped them manage their depression and stress. Of the 35% of students who did know about CAPS, only a small minority (5%) had tried using CAPS before and only 1% had actually successfully attended CAPS. Furthermore, many students identified the distance, difficulty in navigating UNLV's campus, and cost (!!!) as primary deterrents for visiting CAPS. When posed with the hypothetical option of on-campus services, over two-thirds of students said they'd be somewhat or very likely to seek treatment if offered at NSC. Notably, most students (80%) were NOT worried about what others might think of them if they sought treatment.
Recommendations:
- Until services can be brought to campus, help promote UNLV's CAPS as a FREE resource to students!
- Work to bring more accessible services to our students (sponsor a mental health professional on campus a few times per week)
- Certain groups on campus are experiencing more depression and stress; strengthen support services that target these groups.
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