Mental health and academic performance in university students: Systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health is an important part of public health, as its lack leads to a variety of mental disorders that are health problems in societies around the world. Mental health can be affected by biological, psychological, social and economic factors. In the university environment, these factors constitute an aspect that requires special attention, given the negative influence they could exert on the academic performance of students.
Objective: Analyze the relationship between mental health and academic performance in university students.
Methods: The systematic review of available scientific literature was carried out, using a systematic procedure based on the search, selection, review, interpretation and synthesis of the proven evidence from the years 2006 – 2023. The search was based on the study of the variables: mental health and academic performance.
Results: After the analysis of the different articles, three main themes were identified: mental health: generalities; importance of mental health in academic performance and professional support: guarantee of good academic performance in university students.
Conclusions: It is concluded that mental health in the university environment affects the student's academic performance. Work must be done on the development of skills to manage emotions and address imbalances that affect the mental health of students, otherwise it will be reflected in the learning process, in the family environment and the social environment, resulting in possible dropouts and the occurrence of psychosomatic diseases in the medium and long term.