The Effects of Depression on Academic Performance Among International Students
Adetona, Wasiu Adeshina (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120332371
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120332371
Tiivistelmä
Depression can significantly impact international students as they adjust to a new educational system and culture. This study explores how depression affects the academic performance of international students at Savonia University of Applied Sciences in Finland. The research, which used a questionnaire grounded in Beck’s Cognitive Theory of Depression and the Academic Stress Theory, collected data on how common symptoms of depression such as fatigue, sadness, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating, affect students' ability to study and perform well in their courses.
The questionnaire was administered to 51 international bachelor’s degree students from four different departments: Nursing, International Business, Internet of Things, and Mechanical Engineering. The findings revealed that over two-thirds of the students experienced symptoms of depression, with many reporting feelings of sadness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, which led to skipping classes and assignments. Despite these difficulties, many international students use various coping methods, such as exercising or socializing. However, few students seek support from mental health specialists, likely due to the stigma associated with seeking help.
Finally, this thesis revealed the effects that depression had on international students’ academic performance, highlighting the need for better mental health support in universities. By raising awareness, limiting stigma, and ensuring that international students have access to counseling services, universities could adequately support international students in managing their mental health.
The questionnaire was administered to 51 international bachelor’s degree students from four different departments: Nursing, International Business, Internet of Things, and Mechanical Engineering. The findings revealed that over two-thirds of the students experienced symptoms of depression, with many reporting feelings of sadness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, which led to skipping classes and assignments. Despite these difficulties, many international students use various coping methods, such as exercising or socializing. However, few students seek support from mental health specialists, likely due to the stigma associated with seeking help.
Finally, this thesis revealed the effects that depression had on international students’ academic performance, highlighting the need for better mental health support in universities. By raising awareness, limiting stigma, and ensuring that international students have access to counseling services, universities could adequately support international students in managing their mental health.