Managing Student Well‐Being After Social Upheaval: An Examination of Bangladeshi University Responses

TL;DR

Bangladeshi university students affected by a major student movement experienced high anxiety and sleep issues, relying on informal support rather than formal counseling, highlighting the need for better mental health programs.

Contribution

The study provides empirical data on the psychological and academic effects of student activism in Bangladesh following the July Movement.

Findings

81.9% of participants were activists with high anxiety, sleep disturbances, and isolation.

Students primarily relied on friends and family for support, with limited use of formal counseling.

Gender and study level were significant predictors of psychological responses.

Abstract

This study investigates the psychological and academic impacts of the July Students’ Movement on Bangladeshi university students. It aims to understand their mental health, academic performance, coping strategies, and perceptions of university‐led mental health and reconciliation programs.

A cross‐sectional survey design was used, gathering data from 464 Bangladeshi university students from both public and private institutions. A convenience sampling approach was employed. Descriptive statistics summarized key variables, and correlation and regression analyses were conducted to identify relationships and significant predictors of psychological responses.

Results showed that 81.9% of participants were movement activists, reporting high anxiety (M = 4.2), sleep disturbances (M = 3.6), and isolation (M = 3.5). Although students mainly relied on friends and family for support (M = 4.1), engagement with formal counseling was limited (M = 2.5), indicating barriers related to access or stigma. University efforts to rebuild relationships (M = 3.9) and promote unity (M = 4.0) were appreciated, along with strong support for improved mental health programs (M = 4.2). Older students experienced less anxiety from social media rumors (r = −0.22) and safety concerns (r = −0.20), whereas female students reported higher stress levels (r = 0.18 for rumors). Gender (p = 0.028) and study level (p = 0.022) emerged as significant predictors of psychological responses.

This study provides unique insights into the specific psychological and academic effects of student activism in Bangladesh after the July Movement. It highlights the disparity between informal and formal support‐seeking behaviors and provides empirical data on perceptions of university reconciliation efforts.

Bangladesh's 2024 student movement triggered widespread anxiety, sleep disturbances, and isolation among university activists, who relied heavily on peers rather than formal counseling. Findings highlight the urgent need for culturally sensitive, student‐centered mental health and reconciliation programs.

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