Online and Technology Based Mental Health Support in Higher Education

There has been increasing focus on student mental health in the UK over the past few years. Recent reports suggest a decline in the mental health and wellbeing of the UK student population. The impact of mental health issues on students can be serious and can lead to consequences such as: academic failure, dropping out of education, poorer career prospects and in the worst cases suicide. In response, Universities UK published Stepchange Mental Health in higher education. Stepchange provides a framework aimed at supporting university leaders to embed good mental health across all university activities, taking on a `whole university approach;' towards mental health. In addition, the student mental health research network, SMaRteN, the Healthy Universities Network and the What Works Centre for Wellbeing have all been established to evidence gaps and share best practice across the higher education sector. Services to support students have been established which include online support networks such as Big White Wall and SilverCloud and University online therapy services such as Kooth Student. However, despite the demand, research suggests engagement with such services is low.

The present Research Topic aims to consider how the higher education sector can support students and staff with mental health and emotional needs through the use of innovative digital technologies. The edition is interested in research that is utilising digital technologies to support the mental health of students and staff, technologies such as mobile apps, AI, chatbots, online services including counselling and online interventions and web-based applications. The research topic will also explore the current pandemic and the move to online mental health support and its impact.

The article collection welcomes empirical studies both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, case studies and reviews on a range of topics focusing on supporting students and staff in the Higher education sector with mental health and emotional needs through digital innovations. Themes may include the use of technology and mental health in relation to retention, attainment, recruitment, employability, personal tutoring, teaching & learning and student experience within the HE setting.