Outcomes of a CBT-based anxiety workshop on higher education students' mental health, stigma, learning, and career certainty.

IF 1.8 Q3 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Journal of Public Health Research Pub Date : 2025-10-03 eCollection Date: 2025-10-01 DOI:10.1177/22799036251381227

Zamira Hyseni Duraku, Sarah Kwan-Yee Ng, Viola Greiçevci, Fatime Rrahmani, Besarta Buqaj, Marigona Jusufi, Fjolla Bytyçi

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Higher education students often face stress, academic pressure, and limited mental health support in low-resource settings. Although brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based interventions are scalable, their impact is often measured solely by mental health outcomes. This study explored the broader outcomes of a CBT-based Anxiety Toolbox Workshop on students' mental well-being, academic functioning, social support, and help-seeking attitudes.

Design and methods: The study employed a retrospective qualitative design using open-ended self-report questions administered at the workshop's conclusion. Fifty-four first year undergraduate students (M = 19.3 years, SD = 0.8) from a major public university in Kosovo participated. A deductive thematic analysis was conducted based on predetermined themes aligned with the objectives.

Results: Participants reported reduced stress, emotional overload, and academic anxiety following the workshop. These improvements were supported by practical coping tools, including mindfulness techniques, cognitive reframing, and peer discussions. The workshop also enhanced time management, study routines, and academic focus, particularly through structured strategies and daily planning. Beyond academic benefits, participants expressed increased confidence in career decisions and perceived social support. The workshop also helped reduce internalized stigma, challenge stereotypes around psychological help, and improve readiness to seek support.

Conclusion: The findings suggest a brief CBT-informed intervention can enhance students' emotional well-being, academic performance, and prosocial attitudes. This study demonstrates the potential of low-intensity, structured programs to meet student needs and reduce barriers to support in a real-world academic setting. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts and cross-cultural adaptability of such interventions.

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基于cbt的焦虑研讨会对高等教育学生心理健康、污名、学习和职业确定性的影响

背景：在低资源环境下，高等教育学生经常面临压力、学业压力和有限的心理健康支持。尽管基于认知行为疗法（CBT）的短期干预措施是可扩展的，但它们的影响往往仅由心理健康结果来衡量。本研究探讨了基于cbt的焦虑工具箱研讨会在学生心理健康、学业功能、社会支持和寻求帮助态度方面的更广泛结果。设计和方法：本研究采用回顾性定性设计，在研讨会结束时使用开放式自我报告问题。54名来自科索沃一所主要公立大学的一年级本科生（M = 19.3岁，SD = 0.8）参与了研究。根据与目标一致的预定主题进行演绎主题分析。结果：参与者报告了工作坊后压力、情绪负荷和学业焦虑的减轻。这些改进得到了实用应对工具的支持，包括正念技术、认知重构和同伴讨论。讲习班还加强了时间管理、学习习惯和学术重点，特别是通过结构化策略和日常计划。除了学术上的好处，参与者还表达了对职业决策的信心和对社会支持的感知。该研讨会还有助于减少内化的耻辱感，挑战围绕心理帮助的刻板印象，并提高寻求支持的意愿。结论：简短的cbt干预可以提高学生的情绪幸福感、学习成绩和亲社会态度。这项研究表明，在现实世界的学术环境中，低强度、结构化的课程在满足学生需求和减少支持障碍方面具有潜力。未来的研究应探讨这些干预措施的长期影响和跨文化适应性。

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来源期刊

Journal of Public Health Research PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH-

CiteScore

3.70

自引率

4.30%

发文量

116

审稿时长

10 weeks

期刊介绍： The Journal of Public Health Research (JPHR) is an online Open Access, peer-reviewed journal in the field of public health science. The aim of the journal is to stimulate debate and dissemination of knowledge in the public health field in order to improve efficacy, effectiveness and efficiency of public health interventions to improve health outcomes of populations. This aim can only be achieved by adopting a global and multidisciplinary approach. The Journal of Public Health Research publishes contributions from both the “traditional'' disciplines of public health, including hygiene, epidemiology, health education, environmental health, occupational health, health policy, hospital management, health economics, law and ethics as well as from the area of new health care fields including social science, communication science, eHealth and mHealth philosophy, health technology assessment, genetics research implications, population-mental health, gender and disparity issues, global and migration-related themes. In support of this approach, JPHR strongly encourages the use of real multidisciplinary approaches and analyses in the manuscripts submitted to the journal. In addition to Original research, Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, Meta-synthesis and Perspectives and Debate articles, JPHR publishes newsworthy Brief Reports, Letters and Study Protocols related to public health and public health management activities.