The Peer Counselling Corner (PCC) and Self-Help Digital Bibliotherapy as Psychoeducational Interventions in Improving Mental Health Literacy among University Students

Abstract

The university students often face various mental health challenges, yet barriers such as stigma and limited access to resources hinder their ability to seek support; thus, highlighting the need for innovative and effective interventions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a synergistic approach combining Peer Counseling Corner (PCC) and Self-Help Digital Bibliotherapy in improving students' mental health literacy. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest approach, whereby the research involved an experimental group receiving both PCC and Self-Help Digital Bibliotherapy interventions and a control group provided only with basic bibliotherapy. Mental health literacy was measured using the validated Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF), and data was analyzed using the statistical analysis software known as JASP. Results indicated a significant improvement in mental health literacy among the experimental group compared to the control group, as demonstrated by higher posttest scores. These findings suggest that integrating peer-based emotional support with accessible digital resources can effectively enhance mental health literacy. The study underscores the importance of adopting comprehensive, scalable mental health strategies in higher education, combining interpersonal and digital solutions to address the diverse needs of university students.