Mental health and loneliness in university students: A structural equation modelling comparing Italy and the UK

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Cross-cultural Studies

Background:

• University transition presents challenges to student mental health.
• Loneliness is a key factor in psychological distress among students.
• Cultural differences influence student mental health and loneliness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mental health domains and their association with loneliness.
• To compare Italian and UK university students' mental health and loneliness.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the cross-national CAMPUS study.
• Employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze pathways.
• Examined relationships between loneliness and clinical domains in two student populations.

Main Results:

• Anxiety and depression were prevalent in both Italian and UK students.
• Italian students reported higher anxiety; UK students reported more depressive symptoms and insomnia.
• Poor academic performance and limited social interaction correlated with worse well-being.

Conclusions:

• University students face a significant, cross-national psychological burden, with loneliness playing a major role.
• Interventions promoting social networks and academic support are crucial.
• Addressing loneliness is key to improving student mental health outcomes.