ERIC Number: EJ1450929
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0304-3797
EISSN: EISSN-1469-5898
Exploring Mental Health Experiences and Supports among International Engineering Undergraduate Students -- Insights to Inform University Support
Kristine Arreola; Seonghwa Cho; Celina Phan; Karen Unger; Wen-Pin Chang; Shu-Ping Chen
European Journal of Engineering Education, v49 n6 p1451-1469 2024
This study explores the mental health perceptions, expectations for mental healthcare, and use of existing mental health services among international engineering students at a Western Canadian university. Employing a phenomenological qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 international undergraduate engineering students to understand their mental health challenges and service usage. The thematic analysis revealed three significant themes: students' understanding of mental health; their experiences within the engineering programme, and recommendations to enhance and facilitate a positive mental health experience at the university. Findings suggest that mental healthcare for international engineering students should be responsive to the students' unique needs, providing support and accessible services during their transition from their home countries and recognising the impact of the environmental and cultural factors on their experiences as members of the Faculty of Engineering and the broader university community.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Mental Health, Expectation, Health Services, Access to Health Care, Foreign Students, Engineering Education, Undergraduate Students, Knowledge Level, Student Experience, Student Needs, Cultural Differences, Student Adjustment, Help Seeking, Stress Variables, Self Concept, Influences, Health Needs
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A