Assessing the availability and impact of stress management interventions at higher education institutions: a systematic review

Objectives: This systematic literature review evaluates the availability and impact of stress management interventions on mental wellbeing within higher education institutions (HEIs). Methods: A systematic review of literature was conducted across Scopus, PubMed and PsycINFO, applying the PRISMA method. Data extraction was performed manually based on pre-defined criteria. Data synthesis focuses on research design, methodology, geographical coverage, and outcomes of the interventions. Results: Thirty-two research papers met the selection criteria, exhibiting diversity in methodologies, study designs, types of interventions, outcomes, and limitations. Common patterns included a predominance of student-focused interventions and notable gaps in addressing the mental health needs of academic and administrative staff members of HEIs. Conclusion: Despite a wide range of approaches have been employed to address the mental wellbeing of students in higher education, comprehensive interventions for staff members are lacking. Additionally, there is a critical need for future research to incorporate insights and data from non-Western contexts as well, such as the CEE region, to ensure the relevance and applicability of intervention strategies across diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts.