Support Systems and Welfare Measures to Encourage Physical and Mental Wellbeing

The focus on engineering students’ health and wellbeing has increased due to a global rise in mental health issues and the increased need for more engineers. The engineering industry grapples with recruitment and retention challenges, partly attributable to a high-stress work environment. Further, entering university can be a significant period of change and overlaps with the age when adolescents undergo profound cognitive, emotional, physical, behavioral, and social development. While University students are often considered privileged in many ways, the transition to higher education can result in health and wellbeing challenges. Universities worldwide offer social and psychological support and health promotion services to address these issues but there is need for improvement to meet the increasing demand for mental healthcare services. Studies have shown that engineering students are less likely to seek professional mental healthcare when compared to students from other subjects. Studies also reveal a high prevalence of mental disorders in university students, even among those without diagnosed mental illnesses. These issues are frequently accompanied by physical symptoms, underscoring the importance of physical activity for wellbeing. This chapter highlights the work being carried out internationally in this area, explores relevant case studies and provides recommendations for engineering education leaders to consider in their own institutions. Strategies for enhancing wellbeing include exercise, mindfulness techniques, creative movement, time management, professional skills, and person-centered approaches.