Authors: Dorothy A. Thompson, Heidi L. Dent & Monica B. Fine
Journal of Education for Business (2025)
Abstract
College students’ increased uncertainties about their post-college future have led to mounting mental health issues. Considering students’ entry into a volatile business environment and the accompanying pressures to succeed, this study helps higher education institutions, particularly business programs, to understand the unique mental health challenges their students face.
Surveying 698US business students, we examine the relationship between the stigma associated with mental health and factors like student resilience, stressors, motivation, and feelings of anxiety, frustration, and loneliness as signals of mental health issues. A significant correlation is found between anxiety and mental health stigma, mental health issues, and feelings of frustration. Business students, as compared to non-business students, reported higher perceived loneliness and a lower level of mental health stigma. By acknowledging business students’ high levels of resilience and loneliness, business schools can offer ways for students to mitigate their feelings of loneliness and improve their mental health.
Evidence-based recommendations are included for developing tailored support mechanisms that enhance student well-being and academic performance.