One third of students who drop out of their course cite mental health issues as the reason, poll suggests
- Nearly 16,000 students suffered a mental health problem in 2019
- 1 in 4 felt pressured by parents to pick a course likely to lead straight to good job
- Students need to be taught the skills to cope University of Buckingham head
Mental health issues are behind nearly a third of university dropouts.
A YouGov poll of about 600 students who failed to complete their courses found 31 per cent blamed the problem.
The findings are likely to provoke further concern about a ‘crisis’ in mental health on campuses. Controversy over universities failing to inform parents about self-harm or suicide attempts over privacy concerns has led to many reforms.
Nearly 16,000 students declared a mental health problem last year – a rise of 19 per cent on 2018 and more than double the number in 2015. Stock image
But according to UCAS data, there were nearly 16,000 students who declared a mental health problem last year – 19 per cent up on the previous year – and more than double the number in 2015.
Unrealistic expectations of what courses can offer was also a significant factor in dropouts.
One in four felt pressure from parents to choose a course likely to lead directly to a good job and one in five were under stress to study a prestigious course.
The poll was commissioned by the MyUniChoices website, which helps students find the right course.
Spokesman Dr Charles Johnson said students should ensure their course ‘fuels their passions’.
Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, said: ‘Major strides have been made by universities on mental health care, but the focus is still too reactive.
‘We need, throughout schools and universities, to be helping young people adopt the proactive skills that will allow them to cope with strains that are inevitable at university as in life. That will ensure that dropouts are reduced.’