What happens beyond data collection?

Start of the fourth survey wave and launch of the REALISE self-help group

The fourth survey wave began at the start of the summer semester. The project was presented in various courses, and students at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena were once again given the opportunity to participate. This resulted in 644 new participants joining in April and May. The project has now recorded a total of more than 5,700 measurement points with complete information on the perceived stress levels of the students surveyed.

In addition to the mental health checkExternal link and the individual feedback toolExternal link, a self-help group focusing on mental health was offered for the first time this semester. The concept follows a closed format in which the composition of participants remains constant throughout the duration of the project. This is intended to create a protected environment for continuous exchange. The group is currently supported by two student project staff members. The aim is to establish a low-threshold support service for students who are dealing with mental health issues and are looking to exchange ideas with others in a similar situation. The focus is on both reflection and the promotion of individual coping strategies. At the end of the semester, an evaluation of the format is planned in order to adapt it to the needs of the students and, if successful, to continue it on a permanent basis.