The mental health of Polish students – selected positive and negative indicators

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to assess young adults’ mental health. Bearing in mind that mental health and mental disorders can be regarded as two independent dimensions rather than aspects of the same dimension, the article considers both negative and positive attributes of mental health. Methods: The participants were 533 students from eight state universities in Warsaw – 309 women and 224 men. The respondents’ average age was 22. The study was based on a questionnaire consisting of 20 closed questions. Results: The results obtained on positive indicators of mental health show that the vast majority of students like themselves, know how to enjoy life, have plans for the future and declare the ability to concentrate and work effectively. Such answers were given by 80% of the respondents. More than 75% – both women and men – declared their ease in establishing relationships as well as their openness to challenges and unusual tasks. The most common negative indicators of mental health reported by the students were fatigue, pain, sleep problems, irritability, and unfounded fears. As for problematic behaviours, 12% of the respondents admitted to binge drinking, 10% were affected by nicotinism, and 9% reported using marijuana. Conclusions: The assessment of both negative and positive aspects of mental health in this age group is necessary before any measures aimed at reducing the risk of mental health disorders and exploring young people’s potential more effectively are taken.