Using Social Impact Assessments to Improve Mental Health Support in Malaysian Institutions
Directly tackles the sensitive issue of rising suicide cases. Positions SIA as a crucial tool for creating supportive and caring learning environments
Prioritises mental well-being, reduces stigma, and promotes a culture of empathy and support within educational settings.
Key Takeaways:
The rising number of suicide cases in Malaysian educational institutions is a serious crisis that demands urgent attention.
Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) can be valuable tools for understanding the social factors that contribute to mental health challenges among students and for developing effective interventions.
By prioritizing mental well-being in SIAs and promoting a culture of empathy and support, we can create safer and more supportive learning environments for all students.
The Problem
The Mental Health Neglect
Imagine a school that focuses solely on academic performance, neglecting the emotional and psychological well-being of its students. Such an environment can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression. Tragically, this reality1 is reflected in the rising number of suicide cases in Malaysian educational institutions, indicating a systemic "mental health neglect."
This neglect is characterized by the following
Insufficient support Limited access to counselors, psychologists, and mental health professionals within schools and universities.
Stigma and silence Cultural norms and expectations that discourage students from seeking help or talking openly about their mental health struggles.
Pressure and competition Intense academic pressure, high expectations, and a focus on achievement that create a stressful and competitive environment.
The Solution: SIA for Mental Well-being
Social Value Principles offer a framework for using SIA to address this crisis and promote mental well-being:
Principle 1: Involve Stakeholders
Actively engage students, parents, educators, and mental health professionals in SIAs to understand the factors affecting student mental health and identify potential solutions.
Principle 3: Value the Things That Matter
Prioritize mental well-being as a key outcome in SIAs, recognizing its intrinsic value and its impact on students' ability to learn and thrive.
Principle 8: Be Responsive
Use SIA findings to inform the development of effective mental health support systems, policies, and programs within educational institutions.
By applying these principles, we can:
Assess the impact of the learning environment:
Evaluate how academic pressure, social isolation, bullying, and other factors within the institution affect student mental health.
Identify gaps in support services
Determine the adequacy and accessibility of counseling, mental health education, and other support services for students.
Develop targeted interventions
Design programs and policies that promote mental well-being, reduce stigma, and provide students with the resources they need to cope with challenges.
Case Study: The Case of University Student Suicides
A series of suicide cases at a Malaysian public university in recent years has brought the issue of student mental health into sharp focus. In 20232, students took their own lives within a six-month period, prompting widespread concern and calls for action.
Interviews with students and faculty revealed several systemic issues:
Overburdened Counseling Services
The university's counseling center was severely understaffed, with long waiting times for appointments. Many students reported feeling that they could not access timely help when in crisis.
Lack of Awareness and Stigma
There was a general lack of awareness about mental health issues on campus. Many students felt that there was a stigma associated with seeking help, and that doing so would be seen as a sign of weakness.
Academic Pressure
Students described a highly competitive academic environment, with intense pressure to excel. Many felt overwhelmed by their workload and the fear of failure.
Financial Difficulties
Some students cited financial difficulties as a major source of stress. Concerns about tuition fees, living expenses, and future job prospects contributed to their mental health challenges.
Lack of Community and Social Support
Students, especially those who came from out of state, expressed feelings of isolation and lack of belonging. They found it difficult to build strong support networks.
In the aftermath of the suicides, the university administration initiated some measures, such as increasing the number of counselors and organizing mental health awareness campaigns. However, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient and do not address the underlying systemic issues. There is a call for a more comprehensive and proactive approach to promoting student mental health.
Moving Forward: Creating a Culture of Care
This case study illustrates the urgent need for Malaysian educational institutions to prioritize student mental health. By applying the Social Value Principles within a Social Impact Assessment framework, universities can take meaningful steps to address this issue. Here's how:
Involve Stakeholders: Conduct thorough SIAs that involve students, faculty, parents, and mental health professionals to understand the specific needs and challenges of the university community.
Value What Matters: Recognize and prioritize student mental well-being as a core institutional value. This means going beyond academic performance and creating a culture of care and support.
Be Responsive: Use SIA findings to develop and implement comprehensive mental health policies, programs, and services. This includes increasing access to counseling, providing mental health education, reducing stigma, and creating a more supportive and inclusive campus environment.
Evidence shows that social value principles—particularly enhancing social support and connectedness—are effective in reducing suicide risk:
A 2013 study analyzing large representative samples from the US and England found that higher social support was associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of lifetime suicide attempts, with individuals having over 30% lower odds of attempting suicide when they reported greater social support 3.
Social support fosters feelings of belongingness and provides coping resources that buffer against stressors and mental health challenges, which are key protective factors against suicide according to established psychological theories 4.
Social prescribing interventions, which embody social value principles by linking individuals to community resources and social networks, have shown promise in reducing suicide risk factors such as loneliness and improving mental health by creating safe spaces and trust, especially among vulnerable groups5.
Studies highlight that enhancing social connectedness and community integration reduces emotional distress and suicide risk, emphasizing that social cohesion and “sameness” within communities can lower individual suicide risk6.
In summary, the evidence supports that applying social value principles to strengthen social support networks and community belonging can lead to measurable reductions in suicide risk and attempts.
Pro Tip: Use qualitative research methods, such as focus groups and in-depth interviews, to gain a deeper understanding of students' experiences and perspectives on mental health.
Conclusion
It's time to break the silence and address the mental health crisis in Malaysian educational institutions. By embracing Social Value Principles and utilizing Social Impact Assessments, we can create a culture of care, provide effective support, and ensure the well-being of our students.
Suicide rates among Malaysian youths have increased significantly, with reports indicating a 10% rise in suicide cases from 2022 to 2023, and alarming rates of suicidal ideation and attempts among young adults and teenagers.
Available as at 22/04/25 https://scholarhub.ui.ac.id/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1625&context=mjhr
https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2023/05/attempted-suicide-rate-rises-to-10-among-malaysian-teens-nhms-survey/
A study published in 2024 in the Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities highlights suicidal behaviour among Malaysian public university students and the influence of depression and loneliness, indicating ongoing mental health challenges in this population. Available on 22/04/25 http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/resources/files/Pertanika%20PAPERS/JSSH%20Vol.%2032%20(S3)%202024/04%20JSSH(S)-1603-2024.pdf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3683363/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.621569/full
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1396614/full
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0883941724001158