Psychological vulnerability, mental health literacy, positive mental health and health behaviours in higher education students

• Author(s): Nogueira,Maria José ; Carvalho,José Carlos ; Costa,Patrício ; Sequeira,Carlos
• Date: 2025
• Origin: SciELO Portugal
• Subject(s): nursing health promotion; literacy; positive mental health; psychological vulnerability; students
• Document Type: Journal article
• Language: English

Description

Abstract Introduction: Psychological vulnerability and low mental health literacy correlate negatively with positive mental health in higher education students. These negative correlates delay recognizing mental disorders' manifestations and the search for professional help. Low levels of mental health literacy limit self-help, adaptative coping strategies, and academic success. However, few studies examine the association between students' psychological vulnerability, mental health literacy, and positive mental health. Objective: To explain the relationship between psychological vulnerability, mental health literacy and positive mental health in higher education students. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was used in a sample of 3600 undergraduate students. Results: Participants were mostly female (78.8%), with an average age of 23 years (SD = 6.68). The majority do not exercise, are dissatisfied with sleep quality time per night (62.1% sleep less than 7 hours per night), and do not have leisure activities. The majority have high levels of Psychological vulnerability, low literacy levels, and Personal Satisfaction; and 67,9% scored in the flourishing group. Results show significant differences (p<0.001) between sex, age, sleep, exercise, diet, leisure activities, Psychological vulnerability, positive mental health, and literacy. Conclusion: The results identify modifiable. Vulnerability factors justify intervention-targeted programs to promote literacy and positive mental health in higher education campuses in Portugal to empower students with effective well-being and self-help strategies.