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Mental Health Outcomes among Chinese College Students over a Decade

Author

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  • Sibo Zhao

    (Department of Sociology, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Jie Zhang

    (Department of Sociology, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China
    Department of Sociology, State University of New York at Buffalo State, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA)

  • Lisu Peng

    (Department of Sociology, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Wenhui Yang

    (Department of Sociology, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China)

Abstract

Background: Economic growth in China has brought about significant social and psychological changes in society. Objective: This study aims to explore how the mental and psychological health of college students has changed over the past decade. Methods: We observed several cohort samples in a Chinese university over a decade and looked at five mental health outcomes, including suicidal ideation, depression, optimism, self-esteem, and perceived social support, throughout each year of testing. Results: Our study highlights the declining rates of suicidal ideation and depression, combined with relative stability and even small increases in optimism, self-esteem, and perceived social support across a range of demographic variables. Conclusions: The findings of this study imply that in the context of economic growth, stabilizing and improving positive mental health states can help prevent and reduce the risk of depression and suicidal ideation among college students. The study also highlighted the need for more public health campaigns and interventions in universities to help students cope with mental health problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Sibo Zhao & Jie Zhang & Lisu Peng & Wenhui Yang, 2021. "Mental Health Outcomes among Chinese College Students over a Decade," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12742-:d:694074
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Shengpeng Li & Cong Liu & Yongjing Song & Nan Ma & Jinkui Lu, 2023. "Association of Soyfoods or Soybean Products Consumption with Psychological Symptoms: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study of Chinese University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-13, January.

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