Work

Mental Health, Access, and Equity in Higher Education

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: This paper tackles the difficult and often not openly discussed This paper tackles the difficult and often not openly discussed topic of access and equity in higher education for people with mental health difficulties. Recent legislative and policy developments in mental health, disability, anti-discrimination and education mean that all students who disclose a mental health condition can expect fair and equitable treatment. However the findings of an exploratory study at an Australian university reveal that just under two thirds of the 54 students who reported mental health difficulties did not disclose this to staff due to fears of discrimination at university and in future employment. Students who did disclose felt supported when staff displayed a respectful attitude and provided appropriate advice and useful strategies for them to remain engaged in university studies when experiencing mental health difficulties.

Source: Advances in Social Work

DOI: 10.18060/240

Authors: Jennifer Martin, Fiona Oswin

Institutions: RMIT University, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health Treatment and Access

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: RMIT University