Work

“I don't feel fully prepared”: a qualitative study of recently graduated students' mental health experiences of the transition out of university

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to better understand the mental health experiences of students as they prepared to transition out of university. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 18 recently graduated students from a Canadian university. METHODS: Virtual one-on-one semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted and analyzed following the protocol for content analysis and using QSR NVivo. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified, including: distress and feelings of doubt, the importance of connections, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and experiences with mental health service use. Participants discussed feeling pressured to succeed and a fear of failure, uncertainty and unpreparedness for next steps, the importance of connections to peers and professors, a lack of motivation and feeling 'unfinished' due to the COVID-19 pandemic response, and the need for flexible and accessible mental health services to address immediate and longer-term needs. CONCLUSION: Results have implications for better support of students as they prepare for graduation.

Source: Journal of Adolescence

DOI: 10.1002/jad.12431

Authors: Megan J. Magier, Madelyn Law, Tanya Martini, Sarah Pennisi, Kristen M. Lucibello, Karen A. Patte

Institutions: Brock University, Niagara College

Language: English

Topic: Student Stress and Coping

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,000