Amanda Austin

Addressing the Mental Health Challenges of Post-Secondary Education Students through the Implementation of Multi-Sensory Environments

Students that are transitioning from high school to post-secondary education can experience a great amount of stress (Sheng, 2017). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, routine stress can contribute to mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety. The majority of people entering or preparing for post-secondary education, 15-24 year olds, are more likely to experience mental illness than any other age group (CAMH, 2012). Many changes occur during this period that are unfamiliar and out of their control. In response to these statistics, specifically looking at young adults 18 years of age and older, and in the interest of evolving education practices with inclusive principles, how can post-secondary institutions provide a welcoming, holistic, and supportive environment, demonstrated by physical and sensorial elements including light, material, colour, scale, and shape; for students? http://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/2625/