Entre livros e lutas: saúde mental e comportamentos de risco durante a jornada universitária

Abstract

This research investigated psychological distress, the influence of family and university and the use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana by the university population in two studies. In Study I, it was observed that the group that uses alcohol, tobacco and cannabis, when compared to the group that does not, showed a significant difference in terms of levels of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. A binary regression analysis showed that the use of psychiatric medication and high levels of stress predicted substance use. When analyzing the characteristics of the group of users, it was observed that there was no significant association between using alcohol and having symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress; however, the use of tobacco and marijuana showed a significant association with the development of symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the use of marijuana showed a significant association with stress. In order to better understand some of the quantitative data obtained in Study I, a second qualitative study was carried out. Study II explored the influence of family and university on the development and maintenance of psychological distress and the use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana by university students. It was observed that the use of substances and the development of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress occurs before entering university, but that when starting academic life there is an increase in both substance use and symptoms. This dissertation corroborates findings in the literature that more and more young people are experiencing early psychological distress and have been using harmful strategies, such as substance use, which were introduced to them in the family context, as a way of soothing their emotions and feelings. In addition, it points out that it is extremely important to think about and develop strategies and interventions that help maintain and promote the mental health of university students, in order to make academia a safe and welcoming space, where they can find a support network whenever necessary, which does not potentiate the emotional symptoms and unhealthy behaviors that already exist, but which promotes a healthy learning environment, helping university students to develop their potential both academically and personally.