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Health Behaviors and Mental Health Among College Students

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Behavioral and Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 27 February 2027 | Viewed by 15445

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Isabella Giulia Franzoi

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
Interests: clinical psychology; psychoanalytic psychology; contaminated sites; psychotherapeutic interventions for college students; mental health in university students: Risk and protective factors; psychological effects of environmental and occupational asbestos exposure; affect regulation and mental functioning in patients with oncologic and psychosomatic diseases; psychotherapeutic interventions for cancer patients and their caregivers

Dr. Gloria Guidetti

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
Interests: evaluation of psychosocial risks; work-related stress, wellbeing and quality of working life; healthcare and educational sectors, health promotion intervention

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been increasing international interest in health behaviors, especially risk behaviors, i.e., behaviors that not only affect a person in the present, but whose effects are also felt in later periods. Risk behaviors and mental health appear to be particularly relevant in young adults, as they are associated with long-term psychophysical diseases and mortality. For example, research suggests a link between inappropriate dietary behaviors and mental and physical health, as well as between the use of various substances during college and morbidity, mortality and an increased risk of developing psychosis. Moreover, the transitional nature of this period, which coincides with the developmental tasks of emerging adulthood, may also imply that academic life is a stressful experience. Studies have emphasized that the academic student population is at higher risk of psychological distress when compared to the general population. College students appear to have high levels of mental health problems (i.e., high risk of suicide, anxiety and depression), which can lead to low physical activity and sleep problems, academic underachievement and dropout. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to examine mental health and wellbeing in relation to health risk behaviors and quality of academic life of college students. In addition, an explicit focus on the public health perspective and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at promoting health and wellbeing in university contexts using a multidisciplinary approach would also be welcome.

Dr. Isabella Giulia Franzoi
Dr. Gloria Guidetti
Guest Editors

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Keywords

college students
mental health
health behaviors
risk
unhealthy behaviors
intervention
promotion
prevention

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 896 KB

Open AccessArticle

Academic Well-Being Among STEM University Students Living Away from Home: A Mixed-Methods Study

by Barbara Loera, Federica Graziano, Giorgia Molinengo, Daniela Converso and Giulia Bacci

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(5), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23050608 - 4 May 2026

Viewed by 159

Abstract

Background: University students’ mental health represents an increasing public health concern, particularly in STEM contexts characterized by high academic demands. Students living away from home, including international students, may face additional stressors related to relocation, social integration, and adaptation. This study examined how narrated academic experiences are associated with psychological and academic functioning among relocated STEM students. Methods: A cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed-methods study was conducted at an Italian STEM university (May–June 2024). An online survey was distributed to the entire accessible student population (33,336 invitations; 12,538 accesses; response rate = 37.6%). Analyses focused on relocated students who completed all relevant sections (N = 776; M age = 22.96). Quantitative measures assessed academic self-efficacy, burnout (Emotional Exhaustion; Cynicism), engagement (Vigor; Dedication), study program satisfaction, and perceived academic goal attainment. Open-ended responses underwent thematic analysis with a codebook approach and transformed into category count variables. Hierarchical regression models examined associations controlling for age, gender, and academic level. Results: Organizational and learning-related difficulties were the most frequent categories. Content categories explained additional variance across outcomes (ΔR² = 0.054–0.107). Teaching-related narratives were associated with higher burnout and lower engagement and satisfaction, whereas Positive narratives showed the opposite pattern. Conclusions: Institutional and pedagogical experiences are systematically associated with student well-being among relocated STEM students, highlighting modifiable targets for university-level mental health promotion strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviors and Mental Health Among College Students)

20 pages, 508 KB

Open AccessArticle

Student Employability in the Transition from University to the Labor Market: The Role of Faculty Support and Self-Compassion

by Giovanni Schettino, Maria Francesca Trocino, Ilaria Poderico and Vincenza Capone

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(5), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23050557 - 25 Apr 2026

Viewed by 508

Abstract

In the current labor market, perceived employability is a key resource for university students approaching the transition from university to work, which is often marked by heightened stress, vulnerability, and unhealthy behaviors, particularly in contexts with high youth unemployment rates. Despite prior research documenting the buffering role of perceived employability in the relationships between career-related stressors and well-being, limited evidence exists regarding the roles of faculty support and self-compassion, a fundamental factor for effective emotional regulation, during university years. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the relationships between faculty support, self-compassion, career self-efficacy, career planning, and perceived employability through a self-report questionnaire completed by 186 Italian university students, mainly female, with a mean age of 21.24 (SD = 2.57). Results from a partial least squares model indicated that faculty support was indirectly associated with perceived employability through self-compassion, career self-efficacy, and career planning. These findings could support higher education organizations by suggesting the design of interventions to promote supportive learning environments and to develop training in emotional regulation skills. Such an approach could empower students to effectively cope with career-related stressors and, in turn, engage in adaptive behaviors associated with employability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviors and Mental Health Among College Students)

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12 pages, 915 KB

Open AccessArticle

Locus of Control and Its Association with Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Mexican University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Magnolia Guerrero Castillo, Maria Fernanda Martinez Gonzalez, Andrea Alejandra Escalera Jasso, Luis Adrian Alvarez Lozada, Arcelia Lizbeth Torres Pérez, Alejandro Quiroga Garza, Rosa Ivett Guzman Avilan, Diego Escamilla Magaña, Rodrigo Bravo Garcia, Martha Lilia Pérez Sosa, Yelyann Magory Márquez González, Rodrigo Enrique Elizondo Omaña and Guillermo Jacobo Baca

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(1), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010130 - 21 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1490

Abstract

Locus of control is a psychological construct that influences how individuals perceive their ability to manage life events. Although its relationship with mental health has been widely studied, limited evidence exists among Latin-American university student populations. To assess the association between locus of control and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in Nuevo León, Mexico. A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted using data from the Healthy Lifestyle Promotion Program at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. A total of 815 students completed a digital survey assessing sociodemographic variables, DASS-21, and Burger’s Locus of Control Scale. Participants had a mean age of 19.8 ± 3.4, 57.1% were women. The prevalence of symptoms was 64.4% for depression, 55.8% for stress, and 74.1% for anxiety. Women exhibited higher severity across all dimensions (p < 0.001). Locus of control scores decreased significantly as the severity of depression, stress, and anxiety increased, particularly in moderate to extremely severe categories. An external locus of control was consistently associated with higher frequency of severe psychological symptoms. An external locus of control was strongly associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Strengthening internal locus of control may enhance resilience, reduce psychological distress, and improve academic performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviors and Mental Health Among College Students)

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17 pages, 528 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Coursework Demand and Learning Engagement on Mental Fatigue in Online College Students

by Fethi Ahmet Inan, Edwin Teye Sosi, Deniz Unal, Fatemeh Marzban and Gail Alleyne Bayne

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(12), 1860; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22121860 - 13 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1313

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among coursework demand, course value, learning engagement, and mental fatigue among online undergraduate students in the United States. Data was collected through a panel survey involving 415 online student complete responses across the study variables. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships between the variables of interest. The findings revealed that coursework demand exerted a direct positive effect on mental fatigue, meaning higher demand leads to more fatigue. In contrast, course value indirectly reduced mental fatigue by positively enhancing learning engagement. Furthermore, learning engagement had a direct negative impact on mental fatigue, suggesting that higher levels of engagement may function as a potential buffer against the negative effects of increased coursework demand. While the variables in the current model have been examined individually in prior research, this study explored the mechanisms of the relevant variables and the pathways through which they affect mental fatigue, particularly among online learning populations who are more susceptible to experiencing online learning fatigue. The current findings therefore have significant implications for public health and higher education, suggesting that interventions focused on carefully adjusting coursework demand, increasing course value, and boosting learning engagement could be an effective strategy to mitigate mental fatigue and promote the overall well-being of college students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviors and Mental Health Among College Students)

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21 pages, 1010 KB

Open AccessArticle

Frequency, Correlates, and Symptom Severity of Eating Disorders Among College Students in Mexico

by María Alonso-Catalán, Silvia A. Tafoya, Rosalia Vazquez-Arevalo, María Luisa Ávila-Escalante, María Teresa Tusié-Luna, Lidia Moreno-Macías, Hortensia Moreno-Macías, Julián Corral-Aguilar, Mónica Aburto-Arciniega, Santiago Silva-Avalos, Diego Armando Coronel-Manzo, Benjamín Guerrero-López and Claudia Díaz-Olavarrieta

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(12), 1797; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22121797 - 27 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1255

Abstract

The prevalence of eating disorders (ED) has grown in recent decades, associated with sociocultural pressures that partly stem from body stereotypes and increased stress in daily life. However, even though college constitutes a high-risk life stage, this group has received little attention, leaving a significant gap in prevention and early intervention. This cross-sectional and comparative study included 610 Mexican college students aged 18–30 enrolled in two public universities in Mexico: one sample comprised undergraduate students from Yucatan’s UADY (n = 457), and another one from Mexico City’s UNAM (n = 153). Screening tools included the EAT-26, BES, BSQ, DMS, HADS and AUDIT. We determined the frequency of ED symptomatology across both universities. Linear and multiple logistic regressions were conducted to identify factors associated with ED symptomatology. Overall, 19.8% of participants displayed significant ED symptomatology (UADY 15.5%, UNAM 32.7%). Significant ED symptomatology was more common among women (31.8%) than men (11.7%). Non-cisgender students (27.8%) showed a higher frequency than cisgender women (24.7%) and cisgender men (11.2%). High BD was the strongest predictor of significant ED symptomatology (OR = 13.35; 95% CI 6.79–26.26), followed by symptoms of anxiety (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.03–1.19). Our findings highlight the need for early screening and targeted interventions among college students in Mexico. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviors and Mental Health Among College Students)

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15 pages, 420 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Fatigue in the Relationship Between Sleep and Concentration Among Online College Students

by Fethi Ahmet Inan, Deniz Unal, Fatemeh Marzban, Edwin Teye Sosi and Gail Alleyne Bayne

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(11), 1728; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22111728 - 15 Nov 2025

Viewed by 6472

Abstract

Sleep deprivation is a common issue among college students, critically impairing their well-being and academic performance. This study specifically investigated the impact of sleep duration on concentration among online college students, a population with unique living situations and often irregular sleep patterns. Furthermore, it explored how this relationship is mediated by subjective physical and mental fatigue, providing a clearer understanding of the underlying process. An online survey assessed these variables using the Demographics and Background Questionnaire for sleep duration, the Student Mental Fatigue Survey (SMFS) for mental fatigue, and two subscales from the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) for subjective physical fatigue and concentration. Path analysis revealed that both subjective physical and mental fatigue significantly and negatively predicted concentration, and that sleep duration positively influenced concentration indirectly by reducing both types of fatigue. The findings highlight the essential function of sleep in improving concentration. The results provide valuable guidance for developing targeted interventions to improve sleep quality and manage fatigue, which can directly promote mental and physical health, and academic success of this growing, often overlooked, online college student population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviors and Mental Health Among College Students)

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19 pages, 2678 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Companion-Based Forest Therapy and Its Physiological and Psychological Benefits to College Students

by Mei He, Yuan Hu, Xuan Dong, Jiarui Ma and Guangyu Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1026; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071026 - 27 Jun 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1615

Abstract

With the growing pressures of modern society, physical and mental health issues have emerged as critical global concerns. Forest therapy (FT), a novel health management model that integrates natural environments with physical and mental healing, has gained increasing attention in recent years. However, mainstream FT approaches often overlook the psychological value of interpersonal interaction. Building upon traditional FT, this study proposes a new framework called companionship-based forest therapy (CBFT), which emphasizes the importance of emotional support within natural settings. CBFT is not intended as a replacement for conventional FT, but rather as an optimized approach that enhances its therapeutic effects by incorporating the element of companionship. This study aims to evaluate the physiological and psychological benefits of a novel intervention model—companion-based forest therapy (CBFT)—compared to conventional forest therapy models. Grounded in psychological theories and supported by empirical analysis, this study presents an applied framework of CBFT grounded in established psychological theories and validates its effectiveness through a comparative intervention involving 30 college students. Interpreted from the perspectives of ecological and humanistic psychology, the results indicate that CBFT significantly improves emotional regulation, reduces physiological stress responses, and enhances overall mental well-being. These findings highlight the value of social connection in FT practices and offer new directions for the development and application of forest therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviors and Mental Health Among College Students)

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28 pages, 7669 KB

Open AccessArticle

Voices in Motion: Using I-Poems to Uncover Undergraduate University Students’ Psychosocial Journey and Physical Activity Behaviours

by Chanté Johannes, James Reid and Nicolette Roman

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(6), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22060901 - 5 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1527

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a pervasive global public health concern, yet there is limited qualitative research exploring the psychosocial dimensions of physical activity (PA) among undergraduate students at a South African university. Therefore, this study aimed to explore students’ PA participation, by providing insights into the psychosocial factors that shape their experiences. Interviews were conducted with 18 undergraduate university students between July and August 2023. I-poems, a creative qualitative method, were created from interview transcripts by isolating sentences featuring the pronoun “I” and arranging them into poetic stanzas without altering their sequence. This approach amplifies the participants’ voices, offering an authentic window into their lived experiences. Data was coded using the Atlas Ti v.8 software and thematically analysed to generate common themes. The I-poems revealed rich, layered insights from students regarding the psychosocial aspects of PA, highlighting themes such as mental health, motivation and social support. By centring the participants’ “I” narratives, the method foregrounded their voices, enabling a deeper exploration of their embodied PA experiences. This study highlights the potential of I-poems as a creative qualitative method to explore the intricacies of students’ PA journeys. The findings highlight the importance of considering psychosocial factors in understanding PA engagement, offering valuable subjective perspectives for designing contextually relevant and university student-tailored interventions that are suitable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviors and Mental Health Among College Students)

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