Student Mental Health Under Pressure: A qualitative research on the effects of the neoliberal university on the mental health of students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The student population experiences relatively more mental health problems than other population groups, as since the rise of the neoliberal university student mental health has declined. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of students worldwide declined even further. This research aims to deepen the understanding of what role the neoliberal university plays on the mental health of both Dutch- and international students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the following question is answered: What is the role of the neoliberal university during the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Dutch- and international students? This thesis consists of qualitative research where both Dutch- and international students were interviewed on their experiences with mental health and the neoliberal university during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, two student psychologists were interviewed about their experiences with student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this research provided four recommendations for the Radboud University concerning student mental health, which are applicable for other universities as well.