A research paper produced by academics at Ulster University (UU), Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Uppsala University explores whether students in certain disciplines are more at risk for psychopathology, substance use disorders and suicidal behaviour.

The paper, published in Plos One last week, concludes that some academic disciplines have more vulnerable students than others, with many reluctant to seek help for their problems.

The study utilised data collected from 1,829 first-year undergraduate students as part of the Student Psychological Intervention Trial (SPIT) which commenced in September 2019 across four UU campuses and ATU. The students were surveyed shortly after registering with their university or college and before engaging on their course.

The prevalence of alcohol abuse was 11.3 per cent across all students, but 16.1 per cent among law students. Suicidal ideation was prevalent among 17.2 per cent of students, but 25.8 per cent of law students; suicidal planning among 7.4 per cent of students, but 14.9 per cent of law students.

Around a fifth of law students said concerns that seeking help would affect their school or professional career were a very important reason why they did not do so.

The researchers said their study “revealed that many students commence college with pre-existing psychological and substance related problems and suicidal behaviour”, and that the “prevalence rates varied considerably across academic disciplines, with some courses having many at-risk students enrolled”.

They added: “It is important therefore for educators to be aware of such issues and for colleges to provide information and support to students at risk. Tailored interventions and prevention strategies may be beneficial to address the needs of students from different disciplines.”