survey – Diplomátszerzek

Improving the mental health of students

A survey of an unprecedented international sample size was carried out by the Hungarian Association for Counselling in Higher Education (FETA) in November 2021. More than 10,000 students from 47 universities across the country answered questions on their national student mental health research questionnaire.

The November 2021 data shows that a significant proportion (55.3 percent) of students reported a current crisis situation (illness, bereavement, breakup, etc.). Many (41.2 percent) experienced depressive symptoms. There was also a high proportion (37.2 per cent) of students who had suicidal thoughts when looking back over a week. 

According to the survey, many students (41.2 percent) experienced depressive symptoms (Photo: 123rf)

In addition to the results, the number of people registering for psychological counselling at university, waiting lists and increased demand for longer psychological support and counselling also confirm that university students are not in good mental health. Being independent, growing up and trusting in the future is a challenge at a time when the young generation is facing new crises. 

FETA shared the results of the research with university leaders. For 9 institutions, where the number of respondents reached 5 percent of the total student population, an additional institution-level evaluation was also carried out. These, together with their recommendations, were sent to the rectors of the higher education institutions concerned. 

Did you know that these were the most sought-after professions in 2022?

The world has changed a lot in recent years. First the Covid19 epidemic and then the economic crisis have forced many people to change jobs. Learning is both a necessity and a good investment, as a second or third qualification is always useful.

„In the past, in many areas, it was possible to find a job without a qualification, for example because of a shortage of skilled workers. However, legislation has become more and more stringent, so paper is becoming more important than experience,” said Andrea Szabó, education expert at TanfolyamOKJ.hu.

It is also possible to work as a parent

The survey showed that although the number of people studying for a job change is leading the field by a significant margin, it is followed by those who are studying just for the paper and then those who want to make their dream come true. The fourth largest group is made up of mothers who want to make the most of their time at home with their children, and the top 5 also includes those who only have a school-leaving qualification.

Paper is becoming more important than experience (Photo: 123rf)

We see that relatively few people undertake adult learning for purely financial reasons, as well as a minority who think that learning is a good thing,” says Andrea Szabó.

And what will most people have studied in 2022? Here are the most popular professions:

  • Nanny
  • Pedagogical assistant
  • Health pedagogical assistant
  • Educational assistant
  • Personal and property guard
  • Food vendor
  • Make-up and eyelash artist
  • Golden wheat ear farmer
  • Fitness instructor
  • Electrician

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„Nowadays, there are more women in education than men, which is why women’s professions are more attractive, such as social, education and beauty,” she said.

In the case of make-up artist, fitness instructor and electrician courses, the idea of owning your own business can also be an attractive option, offering good earnings and a more relaxed schedule. The popularity of sporting professions is also driven by the spread of health-conscious lifestyles.

The golden wheat ear farmer training has become popular because of land purchase, which is compulsory under the Land Act. In addition to meeting other eligibility requirements, only those who are registered in the land register and have the relevant professional qualifications can be authorised to purchase land and lease land.

Courses that can be started with primary school qualifications are particularly popular. These include training as a nanny, assistant carer, personal and property guard, food vendor and golden wheat ear farmer. They are also fast-track courses that can be used to get a job in a short time,” added the education expert from TanfolyamOKJ.hu.

The proportion of women looking for a learning opportunity on TanfolyamOKJ.hu is 65.28 percent, compared to 34.72 percent of men.

The breakdown of users by age: 24.05 per cent aged 35-44, 19.63 per cent aged 25-34, 20.12 per cent aged 45-54, 13.65 per cent aged 55-64, 12.17 per cent aged 18-24 and 10.39 per cent aged 65 and over.