A report issued this week by Barnes & Noble College noted that mental health and stress issues have become increasingly prevalent among students on college campuses, but only a portion of those impacted utilize the counseling and support services offered.
At the same time, the American Council on Education (ACE) issued a report indicating concern among college presidents about the mental health and well-being of students.
Together they highlight a greater focus on growing mental health and wellness trends among college students, from depression to suicide.
Barnes & Noble College Insights, the bookstore company’s research platform, conducted a survey of 762 college students from two-year and four-year institutions and 1,708 parents of current college students to gain insight into issues and introduce some possible solutions in “Mental Health & Well-being on Campus: How We Better Care for the Whole Student.”
“When you look at student success, it’s not just in the classroom, but it’s outside the classroom and how they’re doing at all levels of achievement,” said Lisa Malat, chief operating officer of Barnes & Noble College. “We’re able to take that data and those insights and feed it back to our college and university partners to give them better intel and thought starters. Maybe start a conversation about what they can improve.”
Barnes & Noble bookstores are located on over 700 campuses and employ nearly 15,000 student workers during peak times, providing a vantage point to what occurs on campuses. Malat said research has shown that students are faced with high levels of stress and anxiety on many fronts — from cost to food and housing insecurity to the pressure to excel to the current political climate.
The report noted that 76 percent of the students surveyed said they have experienced mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. These issues are more prevalent in women and first-generation students.
