The Impact of Mental Health Literacy Training Programs on the Mental Health Literacy of University Students: a Systematic Review

Student mental health is of growing concern for the university education sector. Supporting opportunities to increase mental health literacy of students is one strategy in which universities and colleges are actively investing to support students build their capacity to be well. This study is a systematic review of mental health literacy training (MHLT) programs, other than Mental Health First Aid training, to examine their impact on the mental health literacy of university students. The review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) (Online Resource 1) and A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR2) guidelines. Search terms related to mental health literacy concepts, mental health literacy training and university students were used in four major databases (i.e. EBSCOhost, Ovid, ProQuest and Web of Science), retrieving a total of 1219 articles, with 44 studies selected for full-text review, and a final number of 24 studies included for review based on pre-determined eligibility criteria. Results were reported against three main themes: types of MHLT offered; common practices, processes and implementation elements; and effectiveness of intervention. Results indicate a high level of variability in approaches to mental health literacy interventions and measures of assessment and reporting. Additionally, reported benefits to mental health literacy failed to report on comparable units of improvement or the sustainability of benefits. Although it is in the best interest of universities to prioritise early intervention programs to address mental health and improve wellbeing, more robust data is required to establish the effectiveness of MHLT programs in achieving this aim.

Automated summary

Mental health is a growing concern in the university education sector, and increasing mental health literacy among students is seen as an important strategy. However, there is a high level of variability in approaches to mental health literacy interventions and measures of assessment. More robust data is needed to establish the effectiveness of mental health literacy training programs in improving student well-being.