This monograph outlines the present position of research in the field of student mental health. The aim is to provide a selective review of the literature in this field, to indicate those particular areas in which research is now being carried out and to give an indication of those areas in which research could usefully be done. Topics covered are: (1) causes of psychological illness; (2) the incidence of psychological illness; (3) academic difficulty and drop out rates; (4) causes of wastage and drop out; (5) prediction of illness and drop out; (6) the institution; (7) the meaning of the university to the student; and (8) areas for future research including the individual and the institution, and underachievement. (KJ)