Research on mental health in students and teachers needs to be stepped up

Alarming numbers

According to studies, there are currently nearly 54 million people in the world suffering from mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and 154 million people suffering from depression. The most recent figures indicate that nearly 1 million people commit suicide each year.

In Vietnam, according to the Central Psychiatric Hospital 1, the incidence of 10 common mental disorders in 2014 was 14.2%, of which depressive disorders alone accounted for 2.45%. The suicide rate in 2015 was 5.87 per 100,000 people.

In children and adolescents, according to a 2023 UNICEF report, the rate of Vietnamese adolescents with general mental health problems is about 12% to 40%, with differences in rates depending on province and gender.

Poor understanding of mental health issues, social stigma, and limited mental health services and resources contribute to most of these children not receiving treatment or support.

According to a 2023 UNICEF report, the rate of Vietnamese adolescents suffering from general mental health problems is about 12% to 40%. Illustration photo

Why is it necessary to increase research on mental health in students?

Speaking with reporters of the People's Representative Newspaper , Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thanh Nam, Vice Principal of the Universityof Education , Vietnam National University, Hanoi, acknowledged that mental health problems are a significant burden for young people in Vietnam.

Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thanh Nam analyzed that mental health and education are closely related. A positive educational environment promotes happiness and academic success, while mental health challenges can hinder learning, leading to lower academic performance and higher dropout rates.

Mental health affects education in many ways. Specifically, mental health issues can impair cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and problem-solving, making it difficult for students to learn and perform well in school. Students struggling with mental health may have difficulty attending school regularly, participating in class, and completing assignments. This can lead to lower grades and affect overall academic performance.

Mental health problems can also make it difficult for students to form and maintain healthy relationships with their peers and teachers. Students with mental health problems are more likely to be bullied and socially isolated, further affecting their mental health and well-being. Students with mental health problems may also have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can lead to behavioral problems in the classroom.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Thanh Nam, Vice Rector of University of Education, Vietnam National University , Hanoi

Conversely, education also impacts mental health. Supportive, inclusive and respectful learning environments can improve self-esteem, reduce anxiety and promote a sense of belonging, which are all important factors for mental health. Positive educational experiences can lead to increased self-confidence, motivation and a sense of accomplishment, which can have a positive impact on mental health. At the same time, education can equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to overcome challenges, building resilience. These are important factors in managing mental health problems.

Meanwhile, a negative, demanding, bullying and unsupportive school environment can contribute to stress, anxiety and other mental health problems in students. Students struggling with mental health issues may have difficulty learning, leading to feelings of helplessness and low self-esteem, which can exacerbate mental health problems.

Additionally, students with mental health problems are more likely to drop out of school, which can have long-term negative consequences for their mental health and well-being. Poor academic performance and dropping out of school can limit future educational and employment opportunities, which can have long-term negative consequences for mental health and well-being. Students who struggle with learning and are socially isolated are also at risk of developing or worsening mental health problems.

“Because of the importance of mental health in education, it is essential to increase research on mental health in students and education,” Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thanh Nam emphasized.

Studying mental health in students helps inform policies to ensure educational equity

According to Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thanh Nam, research on mental health plays an important role in understanding mental health conditions, developing effective treatments and preventing problems, thereby improving the lives of individuals and society as a whole.

Mental health research enables a better understanding of the underlying causes and risk factors for mental health problems. This is essential for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies. It also helps identify and develop new and improved treatments, including therapeutic, pharmacological and psychosocial therapies, that can help people manage and overcome mental health challenges.

Research into mental health can also lead to the development of effective prevention programs that reduce the risk of developing mental health problems in the first place. By understanding and addressing mental health conditions, research can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals and their families.

In addition, these studies play an important role in challenging stigma and promoting a better understanding of mental health conditions, encouraging people to seek help and support. They provide evidence of the effectiveness of public health policies and programmes related to mental health, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that interventions are evidence-based.

With mental health issues on the rise, research plays a vital role in finding solutions to the mental health crisis and ensuring everyone has access to the care they need. Addressing mental health issues can also bring significant social and economic benefits, including increased productivity, reduced health care costs and improved social inclusion.

“In particular, studying the mental health of students and teachers is important because it helps understand the root causes of mental health problems, develop effective interventions for students with special needs, and create a supportive school environment, ultimately improving academic performance, well-being, and overall social outcomes. The results of studying mental health in students help propose policies to ensure equity in education,” said Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thanh Nam.

Pioneer in training and research in the field of child and adolescent mental health

Sharing about the current status of training and scientific research on mental health, Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thanh Nam said that the University of Education (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) is one of the pioneering units focusing on training and research in the field of child and adolescent mental health, specifically clinical psychology.

Since 2006, with support from the project “Enhancing the Infrastructure of Clinical Psychology in Southeast Asia” in cooperation with Vanderbilt University, funded by the US National Institutes of Health, the University of Education has had staff members who are well-trained in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology.

In parallel, the first Master's program in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology in Vietnam was built and launched in 2009 and the Doctoral program in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology was built and launched in 2016, with an approach of intensive training, practice combined with research.

To date, the school’s approach to training and development in Clinical Psychology has been learned by many other units. Specifically, 4 more Master’s programs in Clinical Psychology have been opened nationwide. The postgraduate program in Clinical Psychology of Children and Adolescents has become a brand of the University of Education.

In addition, the strong research group in Clinical Psychology has been recognized as a strong research group at Hanoi National University level since 2016.

The University of Education's research on Clinical Psychology and Child and Adolescent Mental Health has created the foundation for the development of this field in Vietnam. The number of domestic and international topics/projects on mental health of the school in the past 5 years is 5 projects, with a total budget of approximately 20 billion VND.

The University of Education is currently enrolling students in Bachelor's programs in School Counseling (with 3 majors: Mental Health Counseling; Counseling and Intervention for Learning and Career Guidance; School Social Work) and Psychology (with a focus on Clinical Psychology of Children and Adolescents).

In addition, the school also enrolls students in Master's programs in School Counseling, Master's programs in Clinical Psychology of Children and Adolescents, and Doctoral programs in Clinical Psychology of Children and Adolescents.

Nguyen Lien

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/can-day-manh-nghien-cuu-ve-suc-khoe-tam-than-o-hoc-sinh-va-giao-vien-post409649.html