From a life course perspective, the project investigates the development, determinants, and effects of mental health throughout the course of (under)graduate and doctoral studies. It is based on a multidimensional understanding of mental health that encompasses clinical (sick days, mental illness), cognitive (well-being, life satisfaction, perceived general health), and affective facets (perceptions of stress and strain).
Based on psychological, sociological, and economic theories, the project analyses the influence of mental health characteristics on the transition to (under)graduate and doctoral studies, as well as the impact of decisions regarding (under)graduate and doctoral studies on these health characteristics. Moreover, it examines the influence of study requirements, learning environments, spatial mobility, and academic success on mental health. Particular attention is paid to resources that help students cope with study-related stressors. All analyses examine whether the development, determinants, and effects of mental health differ according to key social characteristics (gender, origin, domestic vs. foreign students).
The analyses are based on representative, predominantly longitudinal secondary data from Germany (NEPS, SLC, SeSaBa, SiD, Nacaps). Key findings will be published in specialist articles. In addition, transfer publications and a concept for target group-specific measures to promote the mental health of students are being developed.
The project is being carried out by a consortium of researchers from the DZHW, FernUniversität in Hagen, the Karlsruhe University of Education, and the University of Galway, along with partners from Deutsches Studierendenwerk and the German Academic Exchange Service.
