대학생의 정신건강정보이해능력과 사회적지지가 정신건강에 미치는 영향

The Impact of Mental Health Literacy and Social Support on University Students' Mental Health

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the impact of mental health literacy and social support on university students' mental health. Methods: A total of 229 students from eight universities in the G and J regions participated in a descriptive survey conducted from April 23, 2024, to May 22, 2024. Data were collected using structured questionnaires measuring mental health literacy, social support, and mental health status. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting mental health. Results: Significant differences in mental health were found based on sex (t=2.40, p =.017), age (F=3.22, p =.042) and support resources (t=2.35, p =.020). Mental health literacy, specifically help-seeking self efficacy (r=.23, p ＜.001) and knowledge about mental illnesses and services (r=.20, p =.002), showed positive correlations with mental health. Social support from significant others (r=.42, p ＜.001), family (r=.47, p ＜.001), and friends (r=.50, p ＜.001) also demonstrated significant positive correlations. Multiple regression analysis identified help-seeking self efficacy (β=.19, p ＜.001), knowledge about mental illnesses and services (β=.17, p =.040), and social support from significant others (β=.19, p =.011), family (β=.19, p =.018), and friends (β=.18, p =.039) as significant predictors of mental health, explaining 34.7% of the variance. Conclusion: The findings suggest that enhancing mental health literacy and social support systems is crucial for improving university students' mental health. It is recommended that regular mental health education programs be implemented, social support networks strengthened, and age-specific mental health support programs developed. Future research should consider diverse demographic factors and use longitudinal designs to clarify causal relationships.