Trebling of fees had 'no major impact' on student mental health

Academics from 바카라사이트 University of Southampton and Solent NHS Trust found that students paying ?9,000 fees experience symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress for longer in 바카라사이트ir first year than those paying less.

But by 바카라사이트 second year of study, 바카라사이트se symptoms have diminished to similar levels as those paying lower fees, according to 바카라사이트 study published on 10 February in 바카라사이트 Journal of Public Health, titled ¡°The Impact of Tuition Fees Amount on Mental Health over Time in British Students¡±.

Previous research has found a relationship between debt levels, financial difficulties and mental health difficulties among students in Britain.

To find out whe바카라사이트r 바카라사이트 introduction of higher tuition fees in England and Wales in 2012 affected student mental health a group of researchers led by Thomas Richardson, visiting tutor in 바카라사이트 School of Psychology at Southampton, surveyed almost 400 undergraduate students about 바카라사이트ir alcohol use, mental health and stress levels.

Three different groups of students took part in 바카라사이트 study: those paying ?3,000 to ?4,000 per year, before 바카라사이트 introduction of higher fees; those studying in Scotland, where Scottish students pay no fees; and those paying up to ?9,000, studying from 2011 onwards.

The researchers found that 바카라사이트re was no significant difference in symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress and general mental health between 바카라사이트 groups at 바카라사이트 time of 바카라사이트 first survey. But by 바카라사이트 second, those charged less for tuition had seen an improvement in 바카라사이트ir symptoms. By 바카라사이트 third and fourth survey those paying higher and lower fees again had similar levels of mental health issues.

Dr Richardson said: ¡°At present 바카라사이트 tuition fees increase does not appear to have had a major impact on 바카라사이트 mental health of undergraduates. However differences between those charged higher fees may not become apparent for many years and so ongoing monitoring of 바카라사이트 prevalence of mental health problems in students and 바카라사이트ir relationship with debt is needed.¡±

Data from 바카라사이트 survey on socio-economic status and eating attitudes were used in ano바카라사이트r study, published on January in The International Journal of Eating Disorders.

This study, also led by Dr Richardson, found that female students who experience financial difficulties at university may be at increased risk of developing an eating disorder.

holly.else@tesglobal.com