Postsecondary study and mental ill-health: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research exploring students' lived experiences. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ennals, Priscilla; Fossey, Ellie; Howie, Linsey
• Is Part Of: Journal of mental health. Volume 24:Number 2(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 119
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Mental health -- Periodicals; Mental health services -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2015.1019052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8237

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Background</italic>: The postsecondary educational experiences of students living with mental health issues are not well understood. Existing studies are generally qualitative, small and context-specific in nature, and individually have limited influence on policy and practice.</p> <p> <italic>Aims</italic>: To identify and synthesise the findings of qualitative studies exploring student views of studying while living with mental ill-health.</p> <p> <italic>Method:</italic> A systematic search of six electronic databases including CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO and Medline up to March 2013 was conducted. Findings were extracted from included studies and combined using qualitative meta-synthesis to identify core processes.</p> <p> <italic>Findings</italic>: The search identified 16 studies from five countries, with a total of 231 participants. Meta-synthesis of the findings revealed three common core processes: (1) knowing oneself and managing one's mental illness, (2) negotiating the social space, and (3) doing the academic work required for successful postsecondary participation.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusion</italic>: Beyond the learning processes that underpin studying, these findings suggest knowing oneself and negotiating social spaces of educational settings are key processes for students living with mental ill-health seeking to survive and thrive in postsecondary education. With increased awareness of these processes, students and policy makers may conceive new ways to optimise student experiences of postsecondary study.</p> </abstract>