Global comparison of student mental health (IN Education in China and the World, edited by L. Niancai, F. Zhuolin & W. Qi)

Student mental health is vital to the growth of students and there have been continuous efforts made in improving student mental health in China. This chapter aims to introduce the overall Chinese students’ mental health condition as well as the relevant practices and policies that support student mental health. Next, the highlighting data section compares the suicide rates and prevalence of psychological problems among Chinese students with other countries. The next section designs 10 indicators tapping on student mental health, campus safety, and school support for student well-being. Scores on these indicators for seven countries were computed, and the results show that Chinese students’ mental health condition and support are roughly at the same level as other countries. Parallel to quantitative data, three successful national influential practices and three inspiring stories shed light on how Chinese educators and psychological professionals promote student mental health through various approaches. Finally, the latest research published in high-level Chinese academic journals and the latest leading national policies are reviewed to complement the comprehensive picture of student mental health in China.