University students’ mental health is a matter of growing concern, with evidence showing an increase in psychological distress and a rising demand for support services. However, currently available solutions often appear fragmented and difficult to access. This research analyzes existing psychological support strategies for university students and proposes an innovative service model based on the active involvement of the student community. Through a mixed methodological approach, combining literature review, quantitative and qualitative research with students and experts, and co-design sessions, the study explores the possibility of integrating a peer support system within the mental wellbeing services offered at Politecnico di Milano. The outcome of this research is MindStop, a service designed to provide a first level of listening and guidance through dedicated physical spaces and digital support tools. The MindStop model is based on the principles of Step-Based Care and the Whole University Approach, with the aim of offering more immediate and informal access to support resources. A key element of the model is the role of the peer supporter, a trained student who not only provides first-level listening and guidance but also acts as a resource activator, facilitating connections between students and existing Politecnico services. In this way, the peer supporter helps make support services more visible and accessible, reducing the stigma associated with seeking help. The findings highlight the value of a flexible and personalized approach that combines peer support, psychological guidance, and interactive digital tools to address the diverse needs of the student population.
La salute mentale degli studenti universitari è una questione di crescente rilevanza, con evidenze che mostrano un aumento del disagio psicologico e una domanda crescente di servizi di supporto. Tuttavia, le soluzioni attualmente disponibili risultano spesso frammentate e poco accessibili. Questa ricerca analizza le attuali strategie di supporto psicologico per gli studenti universitari e propone un modello di servizio innovativo basato sul coinvolgimento attivo della comunità studentesca. Attraverso un approccio metodologico misto, che combina revisione della letteratura, ricerca quantitativa e qualitativa con studenti ed esperti, e sessioni di co-design, lo studio esplora la possibilità di integrare un sistema di supporto tra pari all’interno dell’offerta di servizi per il benessere mentale al Politecnico di Milano. Il risultato di questa ricerca è MindStop, un servizio concepito per fornire un primo livello di ascolto e orientamento attraverso spazi fisici dedicati e strumenti digitali di supporto. Il modello di MindStop si basa sui principi dello Step-Based Care e del Whole University Approach, con l’obiettivo di offrire un accesso più immediato e informale alle risorse di supporto. Un elemento chiave del modello è il ruolo del peer supporter, uno studente formato non solo per offrire ascolto e orientamento di primo livello, ma anche come attivatore di risorse, facilitando la connessione tra gli studenti e i servizi esistenti del Politecnico. In questo modo, il peer supporter contribuisce a rendere i servizi di supporto più visibili e accessibili, riducendo lo stigma associato alla richiesta di aiuto. I risultati evidenziano il valore di un approccio flessibile e personalizzato, che combina supporto tra pari, orientamento psicologico e strumenti digitali interattivi per rispondere alle diverse esigenze della popolazione studentesca.
Mindstop. A peer driven mental wellbeing support service at Politecnico di Milano
Pantusa, Giulia
2023/2024
Abstract
University students’ mental health is a matter of growing concern, with evidence showing an increase in psychological distress and a rising demand for support services. However, currently available solutions often appear fragmented and difficult to access. This research analyzes existing psychological support strategies for university students and proposes an innovative service model based on the active involvement of the student community. Through a mixed methodological approach, combining literature review, quantitative and qualitative research with students and experts, and co-design sessions, the study explores the possibility of integrating a peer support system within the mental wellbeing services offered at Politecnico di Milano. The outcome of this research is MindStop, a service designed to provide a first level of listening and guidance through dedicated physical spaces and digital support tools. The MindStop model is based on the principles of Step-Based Care and the Whole University Approach, with the aim of offering more immediate and informal access to support resources. A key element of the model is the role of the peer supporter, a trained student who not only provides first-level listening and guidance but also acts as a resource activator, facilitating connections between students and existing Politecnico services. In this way, the peer supporter helps make support services more visible and accessible, reducing the stigma associated with seeking help. The findings highlight the value of a flexible and personalized approach that combines peer support, psychological guidance, and interactive digital tools to address the diverse needs of the student population.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/10589/236172