Several indicators suggest an increase in emotional discomfort among young people. This research work is purposed to explore how young university students portray youth mental health. A qualitative study has been carried out from individual (15) and group (3) interviews, which results open a wider understanding of the phenomenon. It is observed an explanatory tension between a discomfort that has existed for a long time, but is now more identified, and the idea of anxiety and depression as “icons” for the youth of today, multidetermined by a number of factors.
Keywords:
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, MENTAL HEALTH CRISES, TEENAGERS
Author Biographies
Francisca Mendoza Villagrán, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
Licenciada en Psicología, Universidad de Concepción, Chile. Correo electrónico: franciscaemmv@gmail.com
Francisca Pereira Castro, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
Licenciada en Psicología, Universidad de Concepción, Chile. Correo electrónico: fcaereira@gmail.com
Jorge Yeber Montt, Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
Licenciado en Psicología, Universidad de Concepción, Chile. Correo electrónico: jorgeiyebermontt@gmail.com
Verenisse Molina Vargas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
Félix Cova Solar, Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
Doctor en Psicología, Universidad del País Vasco. Psicólogo Universidad de Concepción, Chile. Profesor Titular Psicología, Universidad de Concepción, Chile. Correo electrónico: fecova@udec.cl
Mendoza Villagrán, F., Pereira Castro, F., Yeber Montt, J., Molina Vargas, V., & Cova Solar, F. (2025). Mental health in young university students: a view from students themselves. Última Década, 33(64), 179–196. https://doi.org/10.5354/0718-2236.2025.78774