A Mental Health Model of Students in State Universities and Colleges and Local Universities and Colleges in Negros Occidental, Philippines

Abstract

Background: The Philippine mental health act of 2018 reshaped the nation’s mental health care. Despite its global relevance, few studies examine factors affecting college mental health outcomes. Objective: Based on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, this study aims to develop a structural model illustrating the direct and indirect relationships between variables and mental health. Design and Methodology: The study surveyed 510 randomly selected students from state and local universities in Philippines, employing a path model to examine relationships among the variables. Results: The study found that mental health was significantly influenced by social support (β =.22, p