A recent analysis has revealed a concerning trend of reported mental health problems among university students in the United Kingdom, with cases nearly tripling over the past six years.
The research conducted by the Policy Institute at King’s College London and the Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) indicates that the percentage of undergraduate students in UK universities who reported experiencing mental health problems has surged from 6% to 16% over this period.
Significantly, much of this increase has occurred within the last 12 months, coinciding with the exacerbation of the cost of living crisis. The analysis highlights that poor mental health has become the predominant factor driving students to contemplate dropping out of their academic pursuits.
Among those considering leaving their studies, the proportion citing financial distress as their primary reason has spiked from 3.5% to 8% between 2022 and 2023.
Dr. Omar Khan, the CEO of TASO, emphasized that the report underscores the persistent and widespread mental health challenges confronting students. He stated, “We’re collaborating with the higher education sector to gain a better understanding of effective strategies to enhance mental health outcomes for all students.”
Although the COVID-19 pandemic and the escalating cost of living crisis have undoubtedly intensified this issue, experts argue that the upward trajectory predates these factors, suggesting the existence of other underlying causes.
The study draws from data collected from 82,682 full-time undergraduate students over seven years, revealing disparities in the impact on various groups. Among the findings, 42% of non-binary respondents reported experiencing poor mental health, along with 30% of transgender individuals. Among the LGBT+ groups, bisexual individuals faced the highest average level of mental health difficulties at 28%. In contrast, gay men reported a lower rate of 14%, which, while lower, still exceeds the rate among heterosexual individuals at 7%.
The study also noted that white students (12%), on average, reported worse mental health than their counterparts from other ethnic backgrounds. However, students with a “mixed” ethnicity (12%) were equally likely to experience mental health challenges.
Michael Sanders, the author of the study and a professor of public policy at the Policy Institute, emphasized the stark disparities in students’ experiences of mental ill-health, with those from disadvantaged backgrounds or facing discrimination being more likely to report mental health struggles. He suggested that proactive measures should be taken to prevent mental health difficulties whenever possible and that services must be adequately resourced to provide swift support to students in need.
