Mental health in danger: teacher training students are afraid!

Mental health in danger: teacher training students are afraid!

Teacher training students at the Heidelberg University of Education (PHHD) are often confronted with psychological challenges, but often talk about them in secret. This is done out of fear of jeopardizing their civil service. A recent survey involving over 500 fellow students shows alarming results. This survey is part of an extensive project of the “Evaluation and Intervention Research” seminar, which was organized by 35 BiWi master’s students on behalf of the Rectorate and the health management “PHeel Good”. PH Heidelberg reported.

The survey not only dealt with psychological stress, but also with the awareness of study support offers. Professor Dr. Christian Rietz, who leads the master's program, emphasizes that the students learn valuable skills in project management and method training. The results show that only 17% of students seek psychological help, while the number of those affected is estimated to be significantly higher. One reason for this is concern about civil servant status: 80% of those surveyed stated that they fear that their career prospects would be jeopardized if their stresses were disclosed.

Obstacles to help

The reluctance to seek psychological help is complex. In addition to the fear of negative effects on civil service, long waiting times, organizational effort and shame are also common barriers. Many student teachers are hesitant to seek professional help, what with the findings BLLV covers. It highlights the increasing pressure that young people (18-25 years old) are under, which has a negative impact on their mental health.

The Barmer doctor's report from 2018 shows an increase in mental illnesses in this age group. Prof. Dr. Christoph Staub, CEO of Barmer, cites time and performance pressure as well as financial concerns as reasons. It is important that initial psychological consultations are offered by student unions in order to offer low-threshold help. However, there is a lack of widespread awareness of mental health in teacher training courses.

Students in focus

The data from the surveys and studies illustrate the urgency of addressing how to deal with psychological stress among the student body more intensively. According to a meta-analysis, many students suffer from mental disorders, with the lifetime prevalence of suicidal thoughts being around 25%. This number differs significantly from the general population and underlines the vulnerability of students, who often start their studies with mental illnesses, as the results from the Research and teaching suggest.

The “best3” study from 2023 shows that 30% of students suffer from impairments that make their studies difficult and 65.2% express psychological impairments. This increases the need to create more low-threshold advisory services and educational initiatives at universities. A third of students are at risk of poverty, which increases the pressure.

Professor Dr. Karin Vach, Rector of the PH Heidelberg, emphasizes that the results of the surveys should serve as a basis for the further development of the university's health offerings. In addition, the data collected on non-use of psychotherapy should also be discussed in the Ministry of Culture in order to draw attention to the critical situation.

Overall, it is clear that a comprehensive strategy is required to adequately address the psychological stress of students and to offer them the necessary help and support.