When, how and why should we involve trusted contacts when serious concerns are raised about a student's well-being?

Forbes-McKay, Katrina E.; Henderson, Sarah

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between mental well-being (MWB) and social support (SS) whilst addressing the paucity of research on students' support for emergency contact schemes (ECSs) and their views on how and when such schemes should be implemented. In total, 113 students recruited via opportunistic sampling completed an online survey including the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List - shortened version (Cohen et al. 1985), Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (Tennant et al. 2007) and questions about ECS. A correlational design used the Pearson product-moment correlation to explore the relationship between MWB and SS. A between-subjects design using independent measures t-test investigated differences in SS and MWB between those with and without a "trusted person" (TP). The preferred name was "Named Trusted Person Scheme" (NTPS), the preferred TP was parent/guardian or partner, and the preferred means of contact was Personal Tutor to mobile phone. Most students (96%) supported the use of an NTPS when serious concerns were raised about mental or physical health, personal safety or student engagement. Those opposed were concerned about a loss of agency, identifying a TP or the TP worsening the situation. MWB was positively correlated with SS, and those with a TP had higher levels of MWB and SS than those without. This study addresses the under-explored area of students' support for ECS, whilst enhancing our understanding of the relationship between MWB and SS especially amongst those without a person they can trust. This research provides valuable insights for universities looking to implement or refine such schemes, with the potential to improve students' MWB, academic achievement and retention by enhancing support.

Citation

FORBES-MCKAY, K.E. and HENDERSON, S. 2025. When, how and why should we involve trusted contacts when serious concerns are raised about a student's well-being? Journal of applied research in higher education [online], 17(1), pages 139-149. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/jarhe-06-2023-0255

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 23, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 7, 2023
• Publication Date: Jan 17, 2025
• Deposit Date: Nov 22, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 22, 2023
• Journal: Journal of applied research in higher education
• Print ISSN: 1758-1184
• Electronic ISSN: 2050-7003
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 139-149
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/jarhe-06-2023-0255
• Keywords: Student wellbeing; Student mental health; Social support; Emergency contact scheme; University policy; Student experience
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2139415