Finnish research shows decline in psychological distress among university students

Recent research conducted by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) reveals a decline in psychological distress among university students over the past three years. Olli Kiviruusu, the research manager at THL, attributes this positive trend to a return to more normal living conditions following the restrictive measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study indicates that in 2021, during the height of the pandemic, 35% of students reported experiencing psychological distress, while this figure decreased to 29% by 2024. The research assessed psychological distress through questions regarding anxiety, depression, and overall happiness experienced in the past four weeks.

This shift suggests an improvement in the mental well-being of students as they gradually adapt back to typical societal rhythms, highlighting the impact of the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions on mental health.