Students in Higher Education report high levels of mental health issues and
psychological distress. Paradoxical findings on performance-orientated students, such
as athletes and musicians, suggest that the demands of highly skilled vocations may
enhance wellbeing while being detrimental to physical and mental health. To provide
timely and appropriate help, institutions need to understand what areas of health and
wellbeing are compromised in different student groups. In this study, we compared
performance-orientated (music and sport) students to other students and the general
population on a selection of wellbeing (WHO5, PWS, and WEMWBS), mental and
physical health (K10, SF12, and PHQ9), and trait measures (TIPI, LOT-R, and PCS).
Through an online survey (N = 273), data were collected from bachelor and master
students (n = 135 music, n = 67 sport, n = 71 controls). Students’ scores were
compared to the general population, where norm values were available, and analyzed
within and between groups. Multiple regression was performed to investigate trait
measures as predictors of wellbeing. All groups scored significantly below population
norms for wellbeing and mental health. One third were classed as having moderate
to severe depression. Musicians scored higher openness to experience than athletes.
While sport students showed a highly homogenous within-group profile, music students’
scores differed significantly across study courses (e.g., performance and composition).
Predictors for wellbeing were: optimism and emotional stability (all students); additionally
conscientiousness (sport and music); and perceived competence (music only). As
expected, students reported more health and wellbeing issues than general population.
Distinct profiles of wellbeing were apparent for performance-orientated students.
Results are in line with Self Determination Theory and suggest the need for institutions
to embed health and wellbeing into a ‘living curriculum’ to accommodate the needs of
different student groups. The WHO5 emerged as a parsimonious yet sensitive measure
for mental health and wellbeing in student populations
