MENTAL HEALTH STATUS OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN RELATION TO THEIR SOCIAL CLASS BELONGINGNESS - A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Globally Mental Health among undergraduate student’s issues is becoming increasingly concerning. In India, this issue is compounded by students from schedule tribe, schedule castes, OBC, and minority communities suffer socioeconomic and cultural obstacle. This research paper aims to study the Status of Mental Health of undergraduate students from these groups, exploring the widespread occurrence of mental health issues, contributing factors, and potential interventions. Factors such as financial constraints, social discrimination, and cultural isolation exacerbate these challenges, leading to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and stress among these students compared to their peers from more privileged backgrounds (Singh & Singh, 2020; Kumar & Tiwari, 2019). Moreover, the academic pressure in higher education institutions often acts as a significant stressor, further impacting the mental well-being of these students (Sharma & Jha, 2021).

Our findings reveal significant disparities in mental health status among these groups, emphasizing the necessity for focused interventions and assistance systems to promote mental well-being and academic success. Effective interventions could include culturally sensitive counselling services, peer support programs, and financial aid initiatives to alleviate some of the socio-economic burdens (WHO, 2019). These targeted support systems are crucial to create an inclusive educational environment where all students can excel academically and personally."