ACADEMIC LEARNING AND ITS EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH: A STUDY AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Mental health among university students has become a growing concern, largely due to the distinct pressures and expectations tied to academic learning. The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges within this demographic reflects the complex interplay between academic demands and students' personal well-being. This study investigates how specific academic-related factors—namely social support, academic pressure, and financial stress—influence the mental health and overall well-being of university students. A total of 113 undergraduate students from a public university in Northern Malaysia participated in the study. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The results revealed that all three factors significantly affect students’ mental health, underscoring the critical role of the academic environment in shaping psychological outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for university stakeholders—including educators, administrators, and policymakers—to address the mental health implications of academic learning and to implement strategies that foster a more supportive and balanced learning environment.