Psychological distress among students in enabling education: An exploratory study

Studying at university can be a transformative experience; however, it can also be a stressful experience for many students. Research has shown that university students experience rates of psychological distress at higher rates than the general population. However, studies investigating the mental health of students enrolled in enabling programs are largely lacking. This study investigated the prevalence and severity of psychological distress among students enrolled in an enabling program at a regional university in Australia. The data provides evidence of high levels of psychological distress in enabling students, with the majority of students (95%) experiencing above normal levels of psychological distress. Significant inverse relationships were found between age and depression, and age and anxiety. No significant relationship was found between age and stress, gender, and psychological distress, nor between study mode and psychological distress. These findings suggest that enabling students are a high-risk population for mental health problems. The results highlight the need for further research on the psychological wellbeing of enabling students, to improve students’ mental wellbeing and prevent the development of mental illness. High psychological distress is associated with reduced academic performance, but it can also lead to a lower quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality.