Abstract

PADOVANI, Ricardo da Costa et al. Vulnerability and psychological well-being of college student. Rev. bras.ter. cogn. [online]. 2014, vol.10, n.1, pp. 02-10. ISSN 1808-5687.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1808-5687.20140002.

The aim of the present study was to identify indicators of psychological vulnerability and well-being in university students. A sample was extracted from the database of evaluating indicators of the mental health of university students of six universities. Instruments: Lipp's Inventory of Stress Symptoms, Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Survey, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Self-Reporting Questionnaire, and General Health Questionnaire, in a total of 12 items. Results: 3587 students of both genders participated in the study. Regarding the symptoms of stress, 783 individuals were investigated and the overall prevalence was of 52.88%. Anxiety symptoms were assessed in 709 students and the prevalence was of 13.54%. Psychological distress was assessed in 1403, being that 39.97% of that sample showed signs of important psychological distress. Burnout was evaluated in 468 participants of medical school, and it was found in 5% of that sample. These findings highlight the vulnerability of university students and show the necessity of increase in the discussions about the mental health of university students and the development of prevention and interventional programs.

Keywords : mental health; students; stress psychological.