Search

Psychological and social adjustment and academic success in post-secondary institutions are supported by a sense of belonging to a social group and having meaningful relationships with other students, staff, and faculty members. This exploratory study used a qualitative approach to investigate post-secondary students' sense of belonging in the virtual learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted at a small Western Canadian university. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants who were undergraduate students, from various faculties, and in different years in their programs. Findings were clustered into three themes: (1) student expectations of university; (2) impact of virtual learning environments on students; and (3) the role of educators. Recommendations are included to enhance support and belonging for post-secondary students in virtual learning environments. [The publication year on the PDF is incorrect, this article was published in 2022.]

International students are at heightened risk of developing psychological distress, yet little research has been conducted on their mental health or support needs. This quantitative study focused on undergraduate students at two mid-sized universities in Manitoba, Canada. Online and paper surveys were completed by 932 participants, of whom 21% identified as international students. This paper, descriptive in nature, outlines the sociodemographic profiles, current mental health status, psychological characteristics, and coping strategies of international students compared to domestic students in each institution. Data show that international students are more likely to report excellent mental health, score higher on the mental health scale, and report higher life satisfaction, higher self-esteem, and more positive body image than domestic respondents. However, they are less likely to talk about their hardships. Providing culturally-adapted supports that take into consideration ethnolinguistic differences, religious practice, and mental health literacy will better meet the needs of international students on campus.

The purpose of the qualitative research study was to identify factors and challenges that led to insecure housing among rural residents in Manitoba, Canada. Using a case study approach, five participants and two key informants were interviewed. When the participants were asked about personal factors and challenges affecting housing insecurity in rural Manitoba, their responses were focused on past and current health issues. Health, including acute and chronic conditions, became the critical intersection of housing insecurity and rurality. Systemic barriers such as invisibility, stigma, and lack of access to healthcare services in the rural setting created additional challenges for participants who required assistance and support to obtain and maintain stable housing. Integration of and collaboration among health, housing, and social service providers and informal supports in the rural community are required to address housing insecurity. Rural communities tend to be unique, therefore, strategies and interventions to diminish or prevent houselessness need to be flexible, targeted, and community-specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research in this qualitative case study examined the root causes of individuals experiencing houselessness in rural Manitoba communities, the routes they took to their location(s), the supports and services available within rural communities, and the gaps that existed for individuals experiencing houselessness in rural contexts. Interviews were conducted with three individuals and one couple who had--or were--experienced(ing) houselessness and/or mobility transience, and two service providers who worked with rural and/or vulnerable individuals. Findings from the study highlighted themes and sub-themes in relation to both systemic barriers in rural contexts--including (a) invisibility; (b) availability, affordability, quality, and safety of housing; (c) knowledge, availability and navigation of services and supports; (d) employment opportunities; and (e) issues with the healthcare, education, and justice systems--and personal factors and challenges experienced by individuals--including (a) financial issues; (b) trauma, abuse and violence; (c) grief and loss; (d) responsibilities; and (e) issues related to physical health, mental health, and substance use. The establishment of these themes formed the basis for a series of recommendations for government programs; healthcare; education; justice; municipalities, local businesses-organizations, and non-profits; and rural community members more generally. The themes and findings from the study also led to the creation of a series of educational videos available at www.bucares.ca/publications/rural-homelessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]