Mental Health, Learning, and Studying

Juha Nieminen Study psychologist University of Helsinki

Themes

1) What does a study psychologist do?

2) Institutional shortcomings met by students with mental health problems 3) Individual psychological challenges 4) What kind of support is needed?

5) Questions and discussion

What does a study psychologist do?

Areas of expertise: • Study skills and -strategies • Self-regulation, metacognitive skills • Motivation and achievement • Time management, stress reduction • Studying and well-being • Student identity and relations with learning environment Work with individual students, groups, and teachers

Basic Philosophy

• Many challenges are similar for all students – Students are often unaware of how common their experiences are – Intensity of problems may vary • Some students require more intensive support than others • Everyone’s situation is slightly different

Experiences of failure result in

• Lowered sense of competence • Studies coloured with negative emotions • Often a complicated relationship with learning environment (teachers, peers)  May lead to avoidance of study-related tasks and people  Sense of isolation, shame, lack of trust

What does a student need?

• Encouragement • Help with making a realistic study plan • Practice, positive experiences, ”my efforts are productive” • Moments of focussed work • A negative cycle of thoughts, emotions and behaviour can be turned to a positive one

SMART goals

S pecific M easurable A ttractive/ Acceptable R ealistic T ime-bound

Studying and Well-Being

• Studies should never be the only important thing in one’s life – Different aspects of life support each other – Overly significant goals are difficult to attain • A good day of studying is like a good day of work: set times for both work and free time • Every fifteen minutes of work is a step forward - the importance of rewarding oneself for efforts • Social support goes a long way

Institutional Challenges

• Part-time studying – Financial support based on full-time presence – Some programs have little flexibility – In some faculties personalized arrangements are easier • Support and guidance are fragmented – Getting information and guidance demands lots of effort and patience