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ABSTRACT
This article presents findings from analysing a novel approach to helping regional students transition and adapt to university education by teaching them self-management skills. A programme was implemented for first-year students enrolled in various disciplines at regional university campuses in South Australia from 2013 to 2015. Programme outcomes were evaluated using pre- and post-training questionnaires administered to participants to assess changed mental health perceptions or practices. A paired-sample t-test showed statistically significant improvement following the programme. Students learnt coping strategies and skills to care for their own mental health and planned to apply what they learned for their benefit and in their professional practice.
Acknowledgements
The authors dedicate the article to their colleague Dr Brian Webby (deceased) who participated in this initiative. Brian was an excellent statistician. The project was initially funded by the University of South Australia (UniSA) Learning and Teaching Unit - Experience Plus. They wish to acknowledge UniSA staff Lee Martinez, Lauren Shivvaan, and Tara McCracken, and Country Health SA staff Debra Papoulis and Kathryn Cronin for their contributions to the study.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Correction Statement
This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.