Post-Secondary Student Barriers, Belongingness, and Well-Being: Informing Campus Mental Health Strategy Through Student Perspectives

Despite the professional and social benefits associated with higher educational attainment, this period of growth can also introduce a range of stressors that can negatively impact students’ mental health. Young adults are at a higher risk for developing mental health conditions during this transitionary period, particularly anxiety and depression. Personal, circumstantial, and societal barriers can negatively impact students’ experience. Connection and sense of belonging have been widely recognized as essential mitigating factors, promoted by peer relationships, faculty mentorship, and campus supports. The current qualitative study gathered student perspectives through focus group discussions about challenges, institutional supports, belongingness, and well-being at a post-secondary institution in Canada. The findings from this project were used by those in student support services at the institution to guide campus Mental Health Strategy moving forward. Thematic analysis by two independent coders revealed four overarching themes: (1) financial challenges and frustrations, (2) accessing supports, (3) faculty and program; and (4) connection/campus climate. Implications of these findings are discussed along with possible steps for better supporting student success and well-being.