Citation

De Somma E, Jaworska N, Heck E, MacQueen GM. Can. Psychol. 2017; 58(2): 161-167.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Canadian Psychological Association, Publisher University of Manitoba)

DOI

10.1037/cap0000089

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Mental health issues are of growing concern on postsecondary campuses. Creating institutional policies targeting student mental health contributes to creating a supportive campus environment and is a major contributor to campus mental health. This study evaluated the current state of campus mental health policies at Canadian postsecondary institutions and compared them across regions. Policy-specific questions were extracted from a 54-item online survey of campus mental health and completed by respondents (mainly mental health frontline workers dealing directly with students) from Canada's publicly funded postsecondary institutions. Data were analyzed in the aggregate and according to provinces/regions (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Provinces [New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland], and Territories [Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut]). One hundred sixty-eight out of 180 institutions were represented (response rate, 96%; 274 respondents). In all geographic regions, Canadian postsecondary institutions were lacking in policies regarding mental health research, initiatives, and program evaluation. Ontario emerged as one of the national leaders in programs addressing suicide threat. In conclusion, this study is the first of its kind to compare mental health policy at postsecondary institutions across Canadian regions. Despite work in several jurisdictions, there is still a need for comprehensive strategies and policies that are inclusive of campus mental health. © 2017 Canadian Psychological Association.

Language: en

Keywords

campus; mental health; policy; postsecondary; suicide