The Weight of the World: An Overview of Current Trends in Student and Program Staff Mental Health and Well-Being Abroad

Authors

  • Mark Barneche Abilene Christian University
  • Laura Dupont-Jarrett University of Minnesota
  • Vanessa Nichol-Peters Marist Italy (Marist University)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i1.998

Keywords:

DASS-21, international educators, mental health, staff, study abroad, well-being

Abstract

The increasing need for student mental health support abroad has been subject to much attention from both practitioners and scholars in recent years. Less attention has been paid to the profound impact that the increasing complexity of mental health support is having on international education staff and faculty in the U.S. and abroad. In this article, we outline current trends in college student mental health in the U.S, and we explore the student mental health trends observed by international educators in Europe. We examine the impact on international educators by analyzing quantitative survey data collected from a sample of international educators based in Europe. Our analysis suggests that mental health support during study abroad is a critical issue not only for students but also for international educators working closely with them.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Mark Barneche, Abilene Christian University

Mark Barneche is the Executive Director of International Education and Study Abroad at Abilene Christian University. He served for a decade as the Associate Director of Pepperdine University's international program in French-speaking Switzerland. His international programming experience spans across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America. Mark holds an MA in Global Service and is a doctoral student in Global Education at SIT.

Laura Dupont-Jarrett, University of Minnesota

Laura Dupont-Jarrett is the Mental Health Abroad Strategist & Educator at the University of Minnesota, as well as a licensed psychologist who has worked in higher education for over 20 years as an academic advisor, mental health counselor, instructor, trainer, and administrator. Laura received her MA and PhD in Counseling & Student Personnel Psychology and her BA in Psychology and French, including short-term study in France.

Vanessa Nichol-Peters, Marist Italy (Marist University)

Vanessa Nichol-Peters has a record of over 20 years of leadership experience in the field of education abroad. She began as a program coordinator in Zimbabwe with SIT before moving to its Vermont campus to work on international compliance. She later directed SIT programs in South Africa and served as Associate Dean of African Programs. For over a decade, she has led Marist University's Florence campus. Vanessa holds an MBA, an MSc in Community Development, and a PhD in African History.

References

Abrams, Z. (2022, October 12). Student mental health is in crisis. Campuses are rethinking their approach. Monitor on Psychology, 53(7). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/10/mental-health-campus-care

Abrams, Z. (2023, January 1). Kids’ mental health is in crisis. Here’s what psychologists are doing to help. Monitor on Psychology, 54(1). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/01/trends-improving-youth-mental-health

Ahmed, F.L., Mingay, D., (2023). Relationship Between Helicopter Parenting and Psychological Wellbeing in College Students. International Journal of Social Research and Innovation, 7(1) 49–70.

American College Health Association. (2021). National College Health Assessment Reference Group Executive Summary. https://www.acha.org/documents/ncha/NCHA-III_FALL_2021_REFERENCE_GROUP_EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY.pdf

Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.

Anderson, R. K. (2021). Burned Out or Burned Through? The Costs of Student Affairs Diversity Work. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 58(4), 359–371. https://doi.org/10.1080/19496591.2020.1822853 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19496591.2020.1822853

Antony, M. M., Bieling, P. J., Cox, B. J., Enns, M. W., & Swinson, R. P. (1998). Psychometric properties of the 42-item and 21-item versions of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales in clinical groups and a community sample. Psychological Assessment, 10(2), 176–181. https://doi.org/10.1037/1040-3590.10.2.176 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037//1040-3590.10.2.176

Aresi, G., Moore, S., Marta, E. (2016). Drinking, Drug Use, and Related Consequences Among University Students Completing Study Abroad Experiences: A Systematic Review. Substance Use and Misuse, 51(14), 1888-1904. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2016.1201116

Bakker, T., Krabbendam, L., Bhulai, S., Begeer, S. (2019). Background and enrollment characteristics of students with autism in higher education. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 67, 101424. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1750946719301126?via%3Dihub DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2019.101424

Ball, P. J., Scott, E. D., Latimer, A., Jones, M., & Leath, S. (2024). Black Students’ Mental Help-Seeking Processes During College Matriculation. Journal of Black Psychology, 50(4), 503-530. https://doi.org/10.1177/00957984241235502 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00957984241235502

Barneche, M., Dupont-Jarrett, L., Nichol-Peters, V., (2023) Advancing Best Practice for Supporting Student and Staff Mental Well-Being. European Institute (November 16-17), National University Library, Strasbourg, France.

Bathke, A., & Kim, Y.-H. (Ryoka). (2016). Keep Calm and Study Abroad: The Effect of Learning Abroad on Student Mental Health. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 27(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v27i1.371 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v27i1.371

Bhatia, R. (2023). What is psychotherapy? American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20most%20people,show%20some%20benefit%20from%20it.

Bohan, K., Huber, C., Popenoe, S., & Sproccati, G. (2025). Scrolling Across Borders: Student Insights on Study Abroad in Europe in the Digital Age. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 37(1), 136–174. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i1.1009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i1.1009

Brauer, R., Alfageh, B., Blais, J. E., Chan, E. W., Chui, C. S. L., Hayes, J. F., Man, K. K. C., Lau, W. C. Y., Yan, V. K. C., Beykloo, M. Y., Wang, Z., Wei, L., & Wong, I. C. K. (2021). Psychotropic medicine consumption in 65 countries and regions, 2008-19: a longitudinal study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 8(12), 1071–1082. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(21)00292-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(21)00292-3

Briscoe, K. L., Niehaus, E., Nelson, M., & Bryan, A. (2020). The Role of Mental Health Issues in Faculty-Led Short-Term Study Abroad. College Student Affairs Journal, 38(2), 143–156. https://doi.org/10.1353/csj.2020.0010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/csj.2020.0010

Brown, T. A., Chorpita, B. F., Korotitsch, W., & Barlow, D. H. (1997). Psychometric properties of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) in clinical samples. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 35(1), 79–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7967(96)00068-X DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7967(96)00068-X

Cao, C., Liao, X.-L., Jiang, X.-Y., Li, X.-D., Chen, I.-H., & Lin, C.-Y. (2023). Psychometric evaluation of the depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 (DASS-21) among Chinese primary and middle school teachers. BMC Psychology, 11(1), 209. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01242-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01242-y

Carnine, J., & Pérez Calleja, C. (2025). A First Look at Language Contributions: 20 Years of Study Abroad in Spain and France. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 37(1), 242–269. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i1.1002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i1.1002

Center for Collegiate Mental Health. (2021, January). 2020 Annual Report (Publication No. STA 21-045)

Collins, T. (2023, September 14) Is Gen Z sad? Study shows they’re more open about struggles with mental health. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/09/14/gen-z-open-about-mental-health/70853469007/

Dietrich, A., & Lombardi, M. (2023). Student Risk Report: Pilot Data from Education Abroad Programs, January 1 - June 30, 2023. The Forum on Education Abroad. https://doi.org/10.36366/R.2023SRR.Pilot DOI: https://doi.org/10.36366/R.2023SRR.Pilot

Eisenberg, D., Ketchen Lipson, S., Heinze, J., & Zhou, S. (2023). The Healthy Minds Study: 2022-2023 Data Report. The Health Minds Network. https://healthymindsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HMS_National-Report-2022-2023_full.pdf

Field, K. (2023, October 24). Professors struggle with demands to tend to students’ mental health. The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/article/professors-struggle-with-demands-to-tend-to-students-mental-health

Flack, W. F., Kimble, M. O., Campbell, B. E., Hopper, A. B., Petercă, O., & Heller, E. J. (2015). Sexual Assault Victimization Among Female Undergraduates During Study Abroad: A Single Campus Survey Study. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 30(20), 3453–3466. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260514563833 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260514563833

Henry, J. D., & Crawford, J. R. (2005). The short‐form version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21): Construct validity and normative data in a large non‐clinical sample. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 44(2), 227–239. https://doi.org/10.1348/014466505X29657 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1348/014466505X29657

Hensel, J. M., Ruiz, C., Finney, C., & Dewa, C. S. (2015). Meta‐Analysis of Risk Factors for Secondary Traumatic Stress in Therapeutic Work With Trauma Victims. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 28(2), 83–91. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.21998 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.21998

Hidalgo Bellows, K. (2021, July 15). A ‘breaking point’ in campus mental health. The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/article/we-need-to-address-the-entire-system

Hoffswell, K. A. (2022). Managing Mental Health Risks on Short-Term Study Abroad Programs: A Faculty Development Approach. Culminating Experience Projects 114. https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/114

Hummer, J. F., Pedersen, E. R., Mirza, T., & LaBrie, J. W. (2010). Factors Associated with General and Sexual Alcohol-Related Consequences: An Examination of College Students while Studying Abroad. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 47(4), 427–444. https://doi.org/10.2202/1949-6605.6134 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2202/1949-6605.6134

Hunley, H. A. (2010). Students’ functioning while studying abroad: the impact of psychological distress and loneliness. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 34, 386-392. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2009.08.005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2009.08.005

Institute of International Education. (2023). "US Study Abroad". Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. http://www.opendoorsdata.org

Lewis, T.A. & Iyiegbuniwe, E. (2021). Barriers and Facilitators of Mental Health Services for African-American College Students: A Pilot Study. HPHR, 39. https://hphr.org/39-article-lewis/ DOI: https://doi.org/10.54111/0001/MM1

Lindsey, J., & Struve, U. (2008, Summer). Practical strategies for addressing mental health issues within study abroad [Presentation]. British Universities Transatlantic Exchange Association Conference, Belfast, Ireland. Retrieved May 11, 2023. http://www.butex.ac.uk

Lovibond, P. F., & Lovibond, S. H. (1995). The structure of negative emotional states: Comparison of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) with the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 33(3), 335–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(94)00075-U DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(94)00075-U

Lucas, J. (2009). Over-stressed, Overwhelmed, and Over Here: Resident Directors and the Challenges of Student Mental Health Abroad. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 18(1), 187–216. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v18i1.261 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v18i1.261

Lynch, R. J. & Wojdak, K. (2023). An exploration of trauma-inclusive pedagogy and students’ perceptions of academic success. To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development 42(2), 6. https://doi.org/10.3998/tia.2634 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3998/tia.2634

Marijokovic, K. (2023, January 25) Trauma and social anxiety are growing mental-health concerns for college students. The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/article/trauma-and-social-anxiety-are-growing-mental-health-concerns-for-college-students

Maultsby, K.D., & Stutts, L. A., (2019) A Longitudinal Examination of Study Abroad: Student Characteristics and Psychological Health Associations. College Student Affairs Journal, v37 n2, 183-198. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/csj.2019.0014

McCabe, L. (2005). Mental health and study abroad: Responding to the concern. International Educator, 14(6), 52-57.

McVay, E. (2023). Social media and self-diagnosis. Johns Hopkins Medicine News & Publications. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2023/08/social-media-and-self-diagnosis

Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129(5), 674–697. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674

Mikulas, J., & Jitka, S. (2019). Statistical analysis of study abroad experiences of international students in five major host countries of Europe. Journal of International Students, 9, 1–18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v9i1.262

Mullen, P. R., Malone, A., Denney, A., & Dietz, S. S. (2018). Job Stress, Burnout, Job Satisfaction, and Turnover Intention Among Student Affairs Professionals. College Student Affairs Journal, 36(1), 94–108. https://doi.org/10.1353/csj.2018.0006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/csj.2018.0006

Nadal, K.L., Griffin, K. E., Wong, Y., Hamit, S. Rasmus, M. (2014) The Impact of Racial Microaggressions on Mental Health Counseling Implications for Clients of Color. Journal of Counseling and Development. 92(1):57-66 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6676.2014.00130.x

Osman, A., Wong, J. L., Bagge, C. L., Freedenthal, S., Gutierrez, P. M., & Lozano, G. (2012). The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales—21 (DASS‐21): Further Examination of Dimensions, Scale Reliability, and Correlates. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 68(12), 1322–1338. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.21908 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.21908

Pedersen, E. R., D’Amico, E. J., LaBrie, J. W., Klein, D. J., Farris, C., & Griffin, B. A. (2020). Alcohol and Sexual Risk among American College Students Studying Abroad. Prevention Science, 21(7), 926–936. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-020-01149-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-020-01149-9

Poyrazli, S., Mitchell, M.A. (2020). Mental Health Problems of U.S. Students Studying Abroad. Journal of International Students. Volume 10, Issue 1, 17-27. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v10i1.1014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v10i1.1014

Prince, J. P. (2015). University student counseling and mental health in the United States: Trends and challenges. Mental Health & Prevention, 3(1–2), 5–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhp.2015.03.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhp.2015.03.001

Richtel, M. (2021, Dec. 7). Surgeon general warns of youth mental health crisis. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/07/science/pandemic-adolescents-depression-anxiety.html

Robinson, S., Doughty, J., Duclaux, K., & Letellier, M. (2025). Resident Directors in Europe: A Phenomenological Study. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 37(1), 210–241. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i1.997 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i1.997

The Forum on Education Abroad. (2023). Standards of good practice for education abroad, Sixth Edition. doi.org/10.36366/S.978-1-952376-04-7

The Healthy Minds Network for Research on Adolescent and Young Adult Mental Health (2014). Co-Occurring Mood and Alcohol Use Disorders in College Populations. Research Brief 6, 1.

The Steve Fund Crisis Response Task Force. (2020). Adapting and innovating to promote mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color: covid-19 and beyond. The Steve Fund. https://stevefund.org/report/crisis-response-task-force-fall-2020

University of Minnesota. (2023). Class of 2027 ‘Tell us about yourself’ pre-orientation survey. https://ote.umn.edu/about-ote/first-year-assessment#:~:text=%22Tell%20Us%20About%20Yourself%22%20Pre%2DOrientation%20Survey%20Results,student's%20specific%20college%20of%20enrollment

Willis, T. Y. (2015). “And Still We Rise…”: Microaggressions and Intersectionality in the Study Abroad Experiences of Black Women. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 26(1), 209–230. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v26i1.367 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v26i1.367

Zalaquett, C., & Chatters, S. (2014) Cyberbullying in College: Frequency, Characteristics, and Practical Implications. Sage Open, 4(1). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270671954_Cyberbullying_in_College_Frequency_Characteristics_and_Practical_Implications DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244014526721

Zanon, C., Brenner, R. E., Baptista, M. N., Vogel, D. L., Rubin, M., Al-Darmaki, F. R., Gonçalves, M., Heath, P. J., Liao, H.-Y., Mackenzie, C. S., Topkaya, N., Wade, N. G., & Zlati, A. (2021). Examining the Dimensionality, Reliability, and Invariance of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21) Across Eight Countries. Assessment, 28(6), 1531–1544. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191119887449 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191119887449

Downloads

Published

2025-01-30

How to Cite

Barneche, M., Dupont-Jarrett, L., & Nichol-Peters, V. (2025). The Weight of the World: An Overview of Current Trends in Student and Program Staff Mental Health and Well-Being Abroad. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 37(1), 270–293. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i1.998

Issue

Section

Special Issue on U.S. Education Abroad: The View from Europe

Most read articles by the same author(s)