Graduate Student Mental Wellness: A Survey at a Large Canadian University

Abstract

Background: Studies have begun to show elevated levels of mental distress among graduate students. Graduate student mental wellness is explored in two manuscripts, addressing different topics and their relationship with mental wellness and/or mental distress. Manuscript 1 explores the student supervisor relationship, and Manuscript 2 explores perceived stigma on campus.

Methods: An anonymous online survey of students’ mental wellness and mental illness was responded to by 394 graduate students at a large, Canadian, research university.

Results: Over half of respondents scored moderate or higher levels of depression and/or anxiety, and over 30% reported a diagnosis of mental illness. Graduate students were found to perceive some stigma on campus. Analyses found statistical differences between demographic groups on key study measures.

Conclusion: Certain graduate student groups reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and/or perceived stigma. Preventions to better promote mental wellness through improved student-supervisor relationships and reducing stigma should be explored.