Increasing resiliency and reducing mental illness stigma in post-secondary students: A meta-analytic evaluation of the inquiring mind program

J Am Coll Health. 2023 Dec;71(9):2909-2919. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2021.2007112. Epub 2021 Dec 7.

Abstract

Objective: Worsening student mental health, along with more complex mental illness presentation and increased access to campus mental health services, has led to a mental health "crisis" on campuses. One way to address student mental health needs may be through mental health programs which have been found to increase resiliency and help-seeking, and reduce stigma. Participants: The effectiveness of The Inquiring Mind (TIM), a mental health promotion and mental illness stigma reduction program, was examined in 810 students from 16 Canadian post-secondary institutions. Methods and Results: Using a meta-analytic approach, TIM improved resiliency and decreased stigmatizing attitudes from pre to post, with medium effect sizes (d > .50). Analyses with those that completed the follow-up (about one-third of the sample) showed that effects were mostly retained at three months. Other outcomes also point to the program's effectiveness. Conclusion: TIM appears to be an effective program for post-secondary students. However, additional research, including randomized control trials, is needed to address study limitations.

Keywords: Mental health; mental illness; post-secondary students; resiliency; stigma; stigma reduction.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders* / psychology
  • Social Stigma
  • Students* / psychology
  • Universities