A Socio-Ecological Perspective on Anxiety Among Canadian University Students

Authors

  • Roberta L. Woodgate University of Manitoba http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7176-2390
  • Miriam Gonzalez McGill University
  • Donald Stewart University of Manitoba
  • Pauline Tennent University of Manitoba
  • Pamela Wener University of Manitoba

Abstract

Little is known about how factors related to the post-secondary academic setting impact Canadian students’ self-reported anxiety. Using a socio-ecological framework, we examined lifetime prevalence and correlates of self-reported student anxiety. Data were collected from 593 university students (422 of whom were undergraduates) from a university in central Canada through an online survey. Descriptive statistics and a series of regression models were used to examine the study’s objectives. Most students reported having experienced anxiety that had impacted their lives. Findings provide support for a socio-ecological explanation of anxiety: socio-demographic, relationship, and academic factors predicted self-reported student anxiety. The results highlight the need to ensure that campus services and supports are well equipped to address the mental health problems of students. Theoretical, practice, and research implications are noted.

Author Biographies

Roberta L. Woodgate, University of Manitoba

Roberta L. Woodgate is a professor in the College of Nursing at the University of Manitoba and a Canadian Research Chair (Tier 1) in Child and Family Engagement in Health Research and Health Care. Her research interests include mental health challenges in youth, youth engagement in research, integrated knowledge translation, and qualitative arts-based research methods.

Miriam Gonzalez, McGill University

Miriam Gonzalez is a postdoctoral fellow at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. Her main research interests include stakeholder engagement (vulnerable populations) in childhood disability research, child/youth health, and program evaluation.

Donald Stewart, University of Manitoba

Donald Stewart is a clinical psychologist, a professor, and the executive director of student support at the University of Manitoba. His clinical and research interests include student mental health help-seeking and service delivery models.

Pauline Tennent, University of Manitoba

Pauline Tennent is a research associate at the College of Nursing at the University of Manitoba and a PhD candidate in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Manitoba. She has expertise in human rights, mental health, and qualitative research.

Pamela Wener, University of Manitoba

Pamela Wener is an associate professor at the College of Rehabilitation at the University of Manitoba. Her research interests include client-centred practice in interprofessional collaboration and mental health services within primary health care.

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Published

2020-08-27

How to Cite

Woodgate, R. L., Gonzalez, M., Stewart, D., Tennent, P., & Wener, P. (2020). A Socio-Ecological Perspective on Anxiety Among Canadian University Students. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 54(3), 486–519. Retrieved from https://cjc-rcc.ucalgary.ca/article/view/67904

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 3 (2020): Special Issue - Creative Arts Therapies

Section

Articles/ Articles

License

Copyright is retained by the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy.