University education as a phase of transition and development. Psychological challenges faced by students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24302/redes.v2.5372

Abstract

This study investigates the psychological impacts faced by students during their academic training. Based on an analysis of 21 students, we examined levels of stress, anxiety, and signs of depression. The results reveal a variety of emotional and mental issues faced by these students, including high levels of stress, severe anxiety, and moderate depression. This article discusses the possible causes of these impacts, such as the academic environment, social expectations, and curriculum demands. Additionally, the collected data are examined to understand the negative effects and their implications for the well-being and mental health of students, revealing significant results, with 62% of the sample presenting anxiety, 86% experiencing extremely high stress, and 14% exhibiting severe depression along with 38% of the sample showing moderate depression.

Keywords: mental health; psychological stress; anxiety; depression; student health; universities.

Author Biographies

  • Manuela Pozza Ellwanger, Português

    Mestranda (Programa de Mestrado em Desenvolvimento Regional). Universidade do Contestado (UNC). Santa Catarina. Brasil.

  • Maurício Pratzel Ellwanger, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

    Mestrando em Engenharia Química. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC). Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil. 

  • Giselle Caroline Fuchs, Universidade do Contestado

    Mestre em Desenvolvimento Regional. Universidade do Contestado. Docente do Curso de Psicologia da Universidade do Contestado. Santa Catarina. Brasil. 

  • Jair Zaleski, Português

    Graduado em Direito (UNC), advogado, Especialista em em Direito Processual Civil (CESUSC) e Mestre em Desenvolvimento Regional (PPGDR/UNC). Universidade do Contestado. Canoinhas. Santa Catarina. Brasil. 

Published

2025-11-03

Issue

Section

Artigos

How to Cite

ELLWANGER, Manuela Pozza; ELLWANGER, Maurício Pratzel; FUCHS, Giselle Caroline; ZALESKI, Jair. University education as a phase of transition and development. Psychological challenges faced by students. Revista Educação e Saber – REdeS, [S. l.], v. 2, p. 25–43, 2025. DOI: 10.24302/redes.v2.5372. Disponível em: https://www.periodicos.unc.br/index.php/redes/article/view/5372. Acesso em: 4 nov. 2025.