Author:

• Karen Mendes Graner - Graner, KM - <kmendesgra@gmail.com>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7176-5778

Co-author(s):

• Ana Teresa de Abreu Ramos Cerqueira - Ramos-Cerqueira, A.T.A. - <anateresa04@gmail.com>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2374-8890

Abstract:

This review aimed to identify risk factors and protection for psychological distress in university students. Empirical studies were analyzed in the databases: Web of Science, Medline and Scopus. A total of 1375 articles were observed, and after applied the exclusion criteria, 37 articles composed the final sample, most of which were cross-sectional studies published in the last five years, in developed countries and with health students. The most frequent used instruments for psychological distress screening were the General Health Questionnaire and the Self Reporting Questionnarie, which identified prevalences18.5% to 49.1% and, as risk factors, conditions related to academic life (24) and health (22). Twelve studies identified protective factors: coping strategies, sense of coherence, self-efficacy, vigor, self-esteem, resilience, and other psychological conditions. This review points out directions for possible interventions that could contribute to the well-being of students and to stimulate more positive experiences in the educational environment.

Keywords:

psychological distress, mental disorders, students, risk factors, review.

Content:

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