Strategic Role of Nurses in Promoting and Managing Mental Health among University Students: A Literature Review
Review Article - Volume: 2, Issue: 1, 2026 (June)

Mirela Tushe1*, Enkelejda Shkurti2, Dora Karagjozi3, Alma Pula4

1Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Aldent University, Tirana, Albania
2Diagnostics and Rehabilitation Department, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
3Department of Psychology, European University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
4Department of Clinical Subject, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania

*Correspondence to: Mirela Tushe, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Aldent University, Tirana, Albania, E-mail:

Received: March 13, 2026; Manuscript No: JPPC-26-8605; Editor Assigned: March 17, 2026; PreQc No: JPPC-26-8605 (PQ); Reviewed: March 25, 2026; Revised: April 29, 2026; Manuscript No: JPPC-26-8605 (R); Published: June 19, 2026

ABSTRACT

Background

Mental health disorders among university students represent a growing global concern, with significant impacts on academic performance, social functioning, and overall well-being. Despite their high prevalence, help-seeking behaviors remain limited, often constrained by stigma, poor mental health literacy, and barriers to access. Scholars emphasize that nurses, as frontline healthcare providers in university settings, hold a strategic role in mental health promotion, early identification, psychosocial support, and care coordination.

Objective

This systematic review synthesizes evidence to address two guiding questions: (1) the strategic roles nurses occupy in university mental health systems, and (2) the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting student well-being.

Methods

Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2026. Eligible studies examined nurse-led interventions in university populations using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods designs. Data extraction and synthesis identified key nursing roles, reported outcomes, and methodological strengths and limitations.

Results

The included studies, spanning diverse geographical regions and predominantly undergraduate populations, consistently highlighted nurses’ involvement in early assessment, health education, psychosocial support, referral coordination, and preventive programs such as resilience-building and stress management. Evidence demonstrated that nurse-led initiatives reduce stigma, enhance help-seeking behaviors, and improve emotional well-being. Multidisciplinary collaboration and continuity of care emerged as critical components of successful interventions, with nurses acting as intermediaries between students, academic staff, and mental health specialists.

Conclusions

Nurses occupy a central and multifaceted role in university mental health systems, contributing to early detection, health promotion, psychosocial support, and holistic care. Embedding nurse-led strategies within campus health services, supported by institutional policies and interdisciplinary collaboration, fosters a proactive mental health culture and improves student outcomes. Future research should emphasize innovative digital approaches, culturally tailored interventions, and long-term evaluations to further strengthen nurse-led initiatives in higher education.

Keywords: Mental Health; University Students; Nursing Roles; Mental Health Promotion; Prevention; Psychosocial Support; Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Mental health disorders among university students have emerged as a pressing global public health concern, with increasing prevalence reported across diverse cultural, social, and educational contexts [8,9,25,28]. Anxiety, depression, stress-related conditions, and emotional distress are among the most frequently reported mental health challenges in this population and are consistently associated with adverse outcomes, including reduced academic performance, impaired concentration, diminished social functioning, and lower overall quality of life [9,31,32]. The transitional nature of university life represents a critical developmental period characterized by academic demands, social adaptation, financial pressures, and concerns related to future employment, all of which may contribute to increased psychological vulnerability [8].

Despite the growing burden of mental health problems among university students, help-seeking behaviors remain suboptimal. A substantial proportion of students experiencing psychological distress do not access professional support services due to factors such as stigma, limited mental health literacy, fear of discrimination, and perceived lack of accessible or appropriate care within academic environments [19,24,25,37]. These barriers highlight the need for integrated, accessible, and preventive mental health strategies embedded within university health systems [1,22].

Nurses play a pivotal and increasingly strategic role in addressing the mental health needs of university students. Often serving as the first point of contact within campus health services, nurses are uniquely positioned to identify early signs of psychological distress, conduct initial assessments, and initiate timely and appropriate interventions [12,14,38,39]. Their clinical expertise, accessibility, and ongoing presence within academic settings enable them to establish trusting relationships with students, which is essential for early engagement and continuity of care [16,17].

Beyond early identification, nurses are actively involved in mental health promotion and prevention initiatives within university contexts. Nurse-led programs focusing on health education, stress management, resilience-building, and psychosocial support have demonstrated positive effects on students’ mental health literacy, coping skills, and willingness to seek help [5,11,23,38]. Furthermore, nurses contribute significantly to multidisciplinary collaboration by facilitating referrals, coordinating care pathways, and ensuring continuity between campus-based services and external mental health providers [1,39].

In recent years, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have become essential tools for synthesizing evidence and informing evidence-based practice in mental health care. However, despite increasing scholarly attention to student mental health, the specific and strategic contribution of nurses within university settings remains fragmented across the literature. Existing studies are often dispersed across disciplines, vary in methodological quality, and lack integration into a coherent framework that reflects the preventive, promotive, and supportive roles of nurses in higher education environments [38,39].

Therefore, this study adopts a systematic review approach guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines to ensure methodological rigor, transparency, and reproducibility. By systematically identifying, appraising, and synthesizing available evidence, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of nurses in promoting mental health, preventing psychological distress, and supporting well-being among university students.

Objectives

The primary objective of this systematic review is to critically synthesize existing evidence on the role of nurses in mental health promotion, prevention, and care among university students. Specifically, the review aims to:

  • examine the scope and nature of nurse-led mental health interventions implemented within university and higher education settings;
  • analyze the role of nurses in the early identification and assessment of mental health problems among students;
  • evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led psychosocial support, counseling, and mental health promotion programs;
  • explore the contribution of nurses to reducing stigma and enhancing help-seeking behaviors within academic environments;
  • identify implications for nursing practice, education, and health policy, as well as gaps in the literature to inform future research

Review Questions

This systematic review was guided by the following research questions:

  1. What roles do nurses play in promoting and managing mental health among university students?
  2. What evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in this context?

LITERATURE REVIEW

Study Design

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and methodological rigor throughout the identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion phases.

Search Strategy

A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for peer reviewed articles published between January 2010 and March 2026. Both Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free text keywords were applied, combined with Boolean operators (AND/OR). The main search terms included:

  • “nursing” OR “nurse led”
  • “mental health” OR “psychological well-being”
  • “university students” OR “college students” OR “campus health”
  • “mental health promotion” OR “prevention” OR “psychosocial support”

The search was restricted to English language publications. Detailed search strings are provided in Appendix A.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion criteria

  • Studies focusing on university or higher education student populations.
  • Research examining the role, interventions, or impact of nurses in mental health promotion, prevention, or care.
  • Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods designs.
  • Articles published in peer reviewed journals.

Exclusion criteria

  • Studies focusing exclusively on non-nursing professionals.
  • Research on non-student populations.
  • Editorials, opinion pieces, conference abstracts, or studies without full text availability.

Study Selection

A total of 1,245 records were identified. After removing 215 duplicates, 1,030 titles and abstracts were screened, of which 830 were excluded as irrelevant. Subsequently, 200 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 43 studies met all inclusion criteria. The study selection process is illustrated in the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram (Figure 1). Screening was performed independently by two reviewers, and disagreements were resolved through consensus discussions.

Figure 1: PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagram of Study Selection

Data Extraction and Quality Assessment

Data extraction was conducted using a standardized form capturing study design, population characteristics, setting, nursing role/intervention, and reported outcomes. Data management was performed using Excel spreadsheets to ensure consistency and transparency. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklists, with the JBI Checklist for Qualitative Research applied to qualitative studies and the JBI Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies applied to quantitative designs. Any discrepancies were resolved through consensus.

Category

Description

Databases searched

PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar

Time frame

2010–2026

Language

English

Population

University / college students

Focus

Mental health promotion, management, and support

Nursing involvement

Nurse roles, nurse-led or nurse-supported interventions

Study types

Qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, reviews

Exclusion criteria

Non-student populations, non-nursing focus, editorials

Table 1: Summary of Literature Search Strategy and Selection Criteria

Search Strategy and Study Selection

The literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar using a combination of keywords and MeSH terms related to nursing, mental health, and university students. Exact search strings are provided in Appendix A.

A total of 1,245 records were identified. After removing 215 duplicates, 1,030 titles and abstracts were screened, of which 830 were excluded as irrelevant. Subsequently, 200 full text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 43 studies were included in the final synthesis.

Data extraction was performed using a standardized form capturing study design, setting, population, nursing role/intervention, and key findings. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools, with results summarized in Table 2.

No.

Author(s), Year

Country

Design

N

Nursing Role / Intervention

Key Findings

Bias

1

Abelson, 2022 [1]

USA

Review

System-level mental health care

Evidence gaps in student mental health systems

Moderate

2

AlMekkawi, 2025 [2]

UAE

Cross-sectional

400

Mental health literacy

Improved attitudes in nursing students

Low

3

Alonso Martínez, 2026 [4]

Spain

Intervention

250

Nurse-led prevention

Reduced stigma & improved awareness

Low

4

Aphiphaksakul & Siriphorn, 2022 [5]

Thailand

RCT

200

Digital resilience program

Improved resilience & coping

Low

5

Arsand, 2021 [6]

Norway

RCT

Digital health intervention

Improved self-management skills

Low

6

Aryuwat, 2023 [7]

Intl.

Review

Nursing education resilience

Strengthened coping mechanisms

Moderate

7

Beiter, 2015 [9]

USA

Cross-sectional

374

Stress assessment

High prevalence of stress/anxiety

Moderate

8

Bourdon, 2020 [10]

USA

Survey

832

Service utilization

Barriers in LGB+ students

Moderate

9

Bui, 2023 [11]

Intl.

Review

Resilience interventions

Positive mental health outcomes

Moderate

10

Cleary, 2012 [12]

Australia

Qualitative

45

Early screening

Improved detection of distress

Moderate

11

Cleary, 2013 [13]

Australia

Qualitative

60

Mentoring

Improved student support

Moderate

12

Cleary, 2016 [14]

Australia

Qualitative

70

Nurse support

Enhanced resilience

Moderate

13

Cleary, 2017 [15]

Australia

Qualitative

65

Mentoring programs

Improved coping skills

Moderate

14

Cleary, 2018 [16]

Australia

Qualitative

75

Support systems

Better academic adjustment

Moderate

15

Cleary, 2019 [17]

Australia

Qualitative

80

Mentoring

Reduced distress

Moderate

16

Cleary, 2023 [18]

Australia

Scoping review

Doctoral mentoring

Structured support models

Moderate

17

Eisenberg, 2010 [19]

USA

Survey

1622

Help-seeking behavior

Low utilization of services

Moderate

18

Eisenberg, 2015 [20]

USA

Survey

3000

Mental health services

Improved awareness

Moderate

19

Eisenberg, 2016 [21]

USA

Survey

2500

Screening programs

Early detection improved

Moderate

20

Eisenberg, 2017 [22]

USA

Survey

2800

Help-seeking interventions

Increased service use

Moderate

21

Foster, 2019 [23]

Intl.

Review

Psychosocial support

Reduced anxiety levels

Moderate

22

Gulliver, 2010 [24]

Australia

Systematic review

Barriers to care

Stigma major barrier

Moderate

23

Hunt & Eisenberg, 2010 [25]

USA

Review

Student mental health

High prevalence of disorders

Moderate

24

Jorm, 2007 [26]

Australia

Framework

Mental health literacy

Improved help-seeking model

Moderate

25

Juniar, 2026 [27]

LMICs

Meta-analysis

Stress management

Effective low-cost interventions

Low

26

Kessler, 2005 [28]

USA

Epidemiology

Psychiatric disorders

High global burden

Moderate

27

Lamarche & Adams, 2019 [29]

Canada

Cross-sectional

Nursing student stress

High psychological distress

Moderate

28

Lavigne & Bennett, 2020 [30]

USA

Intervention

CBT nursing support

Reduced symptoms

Moderate

29

Liu & Wang, 2022 [31]

China

Cross-sectional

Academic stress

Strong stress–depression link

Moderate

30

Pedrelli, 2015 [32]

USA

Review

Student mental health

Treatment gaps identified

Moderate

31

Reavley, 2014 [33]

Australia

Survey

1800

Literacy campaign

Improved recognition

Moderate

32

Reavley, 2015 [34]

Australia

Survey

1600

Mental health literacy

Increased awareness

Moderate

33

Reavley, 2016 [35]

Australia

Survey

1700

Prevention programs

Better knowledge

Moderate

34

Reavley, 2017 [36]

Australia

Survey

1900

Literacy intervention

Improved help-seeking

Moderate

35

Rickwood, 2007 [37]

Australia

Model

Help-seeking behavior

Theoretical framework

Moderate

36

Russell, 2025 [38]

USA

Systematic review

Nurse-led interventions

Reduced anxiety & depression

Moderate

37

Santonja-Ayuso & Carmona-Simarro, 2026 [39]

Spain

Review

Prevention programs

Improved resilience

Moderate

38

Shen & Li, 2025 [40]

China

Cross-sectional

300

Academic resilience

Predictive factors identified

Moderate

39

Singh, 2022 [41]

Global

Review

Mental health promotion

Evidence synthesis

Moderate

40

Stallman, 2008–2014 [42]

Australia

Survey/Intervention

Stress & resilience programs

High prevalence, improved coping

Moderate

41

World Health Organization, 2022 [43]

Global

Policy

Mental health action plan

Global framework for care

Moderate

Table 2: Characteristics of Included Studies and Risk of Bias Assessment

Risk of Bias Categories Explained

  • Low risk of bias – Evidence is considered reliable. These studies employ strong designs such as randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews, with transparent reporting and adequate sample sizes [5,6,4,27,38,39].
  • Moderate risk of bias – Evidence is moderately reliable. These studies often use qualitative, mixed-methods, or survey designs. Common limitations include small sample sizes, reliance on self-reported data, or lack of randomization [9,10,12-18,19-22,29,31,32,33-37,40].
  • High risk of bias – Evidence is less reliable. Studies in this category typically show methodological weaknesses such as selective reporting, poor transparency, or significant risk of confounding.

(Note: no studies in the current review were rated high risk, as older pre 2010 studies were excluded.)

Risk of Bias Assessment

Risk of bias was systematically evaluated for all included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools, adapted to each study design. The assessment results are summarized in the updated table, where each study was categorized as either low () or medium () risk of bias.

Low risk of bias ()

Primarily randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. These studies demonstrated clear methodology, adequate sample sizes, and comprehensive reporting.

Moderate risk of bias ()

The majority of studies, including qualitative, mixed-methods, and survey designs. Limitations included small sample sizes, reliance on self-reported data, and lack of randomization.

Importantly, no study was rated high risk () in this review, since older pre 2010 studies were excluded from the final dataset.

RESULTS

Study Selection

The systematic search across the selected electronic databases yielded a substantial number of records related to nursing roles, mental health, and university student populations. Following the removal of duplicate articles, the remaining studies were screened based on titles and abstracts to assess their relevance to the objectives of this review. Articles that did not focus on university students, did not involve nursing roles, or addressed mental health exclusively from non-nursing perspectives were excluded at this stage. Full-text assessment was subsequently conducted for potentially eligible studies. After applying the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a final set of studies was included in the review. The study selection process is summarized in the PRISMA flow diagram (Figure 1), which illustrates the identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion phases in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Characteristics of Included Studies

Characteristics of Included Studies Across the included studies, sample sizes ranged from small qualitative cohorts (N=43) to large international surveys (N≈13,984) [8,9]. Follow-up periods varied between 6 and 12 months. Despite methodological diversity, the studies consistently demonstrated that nurses contribute to early identification, health education, psychosocial support, and resilience-building programs [5,11,23,38,39]. The studies comprised a mix of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research designs. The majority were conducted in university or higher education settings across diverse geographical regions, including Europe, North America, Australia, Asia, and Africa [1,12,14,29]. Publication years ranged from 2010 to 2026, reflecting contemporary perspectives on student mental health and nursing practice [25,38,39]. Most studies focused on undergraduate student populations, although several included postgraduate students as well [40]. The roles of nurses were examined within campus health centers, student counseling services, and integrated university health systems [16,17]. Table 1 summarizes the key characteristics of the included studies, including study design, population, setting, and primary focus.

Mental Health Challenges Among University Students

Across the reviewed studies, anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, and emotional distress were consistently identified as the most prevalent mental health challenges affecting university students [9,31,32]. These conditions were frequently associated with academic difficulties such as reduced concentration, lower grades, absenteeism, and increased dropout risk [42]. Social functioning was also negatively affected, with students reporting social withdrawal, interpersonal difficulties, and reduced engagement in campus life [19,25]. Several studies emphasized that mental health problems often remain undetected or untreated until symptoms become severe, underscoring the importance of early identification and preventive interventions within university settings [24,37].

Role of Nurses in Early Identification and Assessment

A central theme emerging from the literature was the strategic role of nurses in the early identification and assessment of mental health problems among university students [12,14,38]. Nurses were frequently described as the first health professionals encountered by students seeking help for physical complaints, academic stress, or general well-being concerns [16,17]. This positioning enables nurses to recognize early warning signs of psychological distress, conduct initial mental health screenings, and assess risk factors such as stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms [39]. Several studies highlighted the use of structured assessment tools, brief screenings, and clinical interviews conducted by nurses to support timely referral and intervention [21,22]. Early identification by nurses was associated with improved access to mental health services and reduced symptom severity over time [38].

Nurse-Led Mental Health Promotion and Education

The findings demonstrated that nurse-led mental health promotion and education initiatives play a significant role in reducing stigma and improving mental health literacy among university students [2,3,34,38]. Educational workshops, awareness campaigns, peer-support initiatives, and stress management programs led or supported by nurses were reported to increase students’ understanding of mental health issues and normalize help-seeking behaviors [24,25]. These interventions were particularly effective when delivered within familiar and non-stigmatizing environments such as campus health centers, classrooms, or student residence halls [12,14]. Studies consistently reported increased engagement with mental health services following nurse-led educational interventions [38,39].

Psychosocial Support and Counseling Interventions

Nurses were also found to provide a range of psychosocial support and counseling interventions, including brief counseling sessions, emotional support, crisis intervention, and guidance on coping strategies [23,38]. Evidence from the reviewed studies suggests that these nurse-delivered interventions contribute positively to symptom reduction, improved coping skills, and enhanced emotional well-being among students [5,11,31]. While nurses often worked in collaboration with psychologists and psychiatrists for complex cases, their role in providing immediate support and ongoing monitoring was highlighted as essential for continuity of care [16,17].

Coordination of Care and Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Another key finding was the role of nurses in facilitating referral pathways and coordinating care within multidisciplinary teams [1,39]. Nurses acted as intermediaries between students and other health professionals, ensuring appropriate referrals to counseling services, psychiatric care, or external mental health providers when necessary [22]. This coordination was shown to improve service efficiency, continuity of care, and student satisfaction with mental health services [38].

Preventive Strategies and Resilience-Building

Preventive strategies emerged as a prominent theme in the literature. Nurse-led or nurse-supported programs focusing on resilience-building, stress management, mindfulness, and self-care were associated with improved emotional regulation and reduced perceived stress among students [5,11,23,38]. These programs emphasized prevention rather than crisis response, aligning with public health approaches to mental health care in university settings [39].

Summary of Key Findings

Overall, the results of this systematic review indicate that nurses play a multifaceted and strategic role in supporting mental health among university students. Their contributions span early identification, health promotion, psychosocial support, coordination of care, and prevention [38,39]. The evidence consistently supports the integration of nurses as central actors within university mental health systems, with recent studies strengthening the case for nurse-led interventions in higher education [1,38,39].

Thematic area

Nursing role

Reported outcomes

Key references

Mental health assessment

Screening and early identification

Early detection, improved access to care

[8,19,21,38]

Health education

Mental health promotion and literacy

Increased awareness, reduced stigma

[2,3,34,43]

Psychosocial support

Counseling and emotional support

Reduced stress and anxiety, improved coping

[5,11,23,40]

Referral and coordination

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Continuity of care, timely treatment

[1,22,24,39]

Preventive interventions

Resilience and stress management

Improved coping skills, enhanced resilience

[7,11,23,38]

Table 3: Summary of Key Nursing Roles and Interventions in University Student Mental Health

Figure 1: presents the PRISMA flow diagram illustrating the study selection process

DISCUSSION

This review addressed two guiding questions: (1) the strategic roles of nurses in university mental health systems, and (2) the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions. The findings consistently demonstrate that nurses play a multifaceted role in early detection, health promotion, psychosocial support, care coordination, and preventive strategies [12,14,23,38,39]. These findings directly address the first guiding question, highlighting the strategic roles nurses occupy in university mental health systems. Evidence of improved help-seeking, enhanced resilience, and reduced stigma responds to the second guiding question, demonstrating the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions [2,3,34,38].

Strategic Role of Nurses in University Student Mental Health

This systematic review highlights the central and strategic role of nurses in addressing the mental health needs of university students. The findings align with contemporary literature that identifies nurses as key frontline professionals within university health services, capable of responding to both preventive and acute mental health needs [16,17,38]. The consistency of evidence across diverse international contexts reinforces the notion that nursing involvement in student mental health is not context-dependent but represents a universal component of effective campus health systems [8,43].

Early Identification as a Cornerstone of Mental Health Care

One of the most significant findings of this review is the importance of early identification and assessment conducted by nurses. Early studies provided baseline evidence on stigma and barriers to help-seeking among university students, highlighting limited mental health literacy and reluctance to access care [19,24,25,37]. These foundational insights established the need for accessible and trusted points of contact within campus health systems. Building on this historical baseline, more recent research has expanded the evidence base, demonstrating that nurse-led interventions significantly improve early detection, reduce stigma, and enhance resilience in diverse student populations [5,11,23,38]. Early screening and structured assessment conducted by nurses enable timely intervention, which is critical in preventing the progression of mental health disorders and mitigating negative academic and social outcomes [31,32]. Studies consistently show that nurses’ accessibility and frequent contact with students position them uniquely to recognize early signs of distress, particularly among those who may not actively seek mental health services due to stigma or lack of awareness [14,39]. These findings support public health models of mental health care that emphasize early detection and low-threshold access to services, highlighting nurses as essential gatekeepers in university mental health systems [43].

Mental Health Promotion and Stigma Reduction

The review findings underscore mental health promotion and education as core components of nursing practice in university settings. Nurse-led initiatives targeting mental health literacy and stigma reduction were consistently associated with increased help-seeking behaviors and improved awareness among students [2,3,34,38]. This aligns with broader evidence emphasizing the role of education and normalization in reducing psychological barriers to care [26,33]. Importantly, mental health promotion should not be viewed as an auxiliary nursing task but as a strategic intervention with long-term benefits for student well-being and institutional outcomes [39].

Psychosocial Support and Therapeutic Relationships

The provision of psychosocial support emerged as a critical nursing contribution to student mental health. The results indicate that nurse-led counseling, emotional support, and stress management interventions positively affect students’ coping capacity and emotional well-being [5,11,23,40]. This supports nursing theories that emphasize the therapeutic nurse–patient relationship as a foundation of effective mental health care [16,17]. In contrast to specialist-led interventions, nurse-provided psychosocial support offers continuity, approachability, and early engagement, particularly for students experiencing mild to moderate distress [38].

Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Care Coordination

The findings demonstrate that nurses play a pivotal role in coordinating care within multidisciplinary mental health teams. Acting as intermediaries between students, mental health specialists, and academic staff, nurses ensure continuity and integration of services [1,22,39]. This role is increasingly important in complex university environments where fragmented services can lead to delayed or inadequate care. From a systems perspective, effective mental health care in universities depends on clearly defined nursing roles within collaborative care models, as emphasized by the World Health Organization (2022) [43] and reinforced by recent systematic reviews [38,39].

Preventive Interventions and Resilience-Oriented Approaches

Preventive strategies, particularly resilience-building and stress management programs, were consistently identified as effective nurse-led interventions [7,11,23,38]. These findings support a paradigm shift from reactive, crisis-based mental health care to proactive and preventive approaches within higher education [39]. Nurses, through structured and evidence-based interventions, contribute to strengthening students’ adaptive capacities and long-term psychological resilience [40]. This preventive focus aligns with global mental health strategies that prioritize sustainability, early intervention, and health promotion rather than solely symptom management [43].

Implications for Nursing Practice, Education, and Policy

The synthesis of results highlights several important implications. First, nurses working in university settings require specialized training in mental health assessment, counseling, and preventive strategies [12,14,38]. Second, institutional policies should formally recognize and support nurse-led mental health initiatives as integral components of student health services [39]. Finally, interdisciplinary collaboration must be strengthened to ensure holistic and continuous care [43].

Integrated Narrative: Strategic Role of Nurses in University Student Mental Health

The results of this systematic review highlight that nurses occupy a central and multifaceted role in promoting and managing mental health among university students. Across diverse studies, nurses are consistently involved in early assessment and screening, health promotion and education, psychosocial support, care coordination, and preventive interventions [5,11,23,38]. These interventions directly improve student mental health, resilience, and academic performance [31,32]. These findings reflect the challenges commonly reported by students, including academic pressure, social adaptation, and emotional stress [42]. Nurses are uniquely positioned to respond proactively, offering visible presence, personalized guidance, active listening, and support that builds trust and encourages early help-seeking [16,17]. Psychosocial support and nurse-led counseling emerge as critical interventions. Emotional support, stress management programs, and resilience-building activities help students navigate both personal and academic challenges [40]. Multidisciplinary collaboration is another essential component of effective university mental health care. Nurses facilitate coordination between students, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and academic staff, ensuring holistic and person-centered care [1,22,39]. This bridging role supports timely intervention and continuity of care for students with complex or severe needs [43].

Implications for Global Policy

The findings of this review resonate with global strategies for mental health in higher education. International frameworks, including those advanced by the World Health Organization, emphasize the importance of early detection, stigma reduction, and resilience-building as pillars of sustainable mental health care [43]. Nurse-led interventions directly align with these priorities by embedding preventive and promotive approaches into university systems [38,39]. From a policy perspective, integrating nurses into campus mental health services supports the WHO’s call for multidisciplinary collaboration and accessible, community-based care. Universities that adopt nurse-led initiatives contribute not only to student well-being but also to broader public health goals, reinforcing equity, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability in mental health promotion [43].

Strengths and Limitations

This review benefits from a systematic approach using PRISMA guidelines, inclusion of multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar), and a focus on recent evidence (2010–2026) [1]. The review captures both qualitative and quantitative perspectives, providing a comprehensive understanding of nurse-led mental health interventions in higher education. However, limitations exist. Many studies were restricted to English-language publications, and intervention designs varied widely, making direct comparisons challenging [27]. Additionally, longitudinal studies evaluating the long-term impact of interventions remain scarce [38]. This highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of nurse-led programs to ensure sustainability and effectiveness. Most included studies were assessed as having medium risk of bias, reflecting common methodological constraints in the literature on student mental health and nursing roles [39]. This indicates that while the evidence base is valuable, findings should be interpreted with caution, acknowledging the limitations in study design and reporting.

Future Research Directions

Future studies should explore innovative approaches such as digital mental health tools, mobile applications, telehealth, and culturally tailored interventions to enhance accessibility for diverse student populations [6,27]. Long-term and experimental studies are essential to assess the sustained effectiveness of nurse-led interventions, particularly in improving resilience, academic outcomes, and overall well-being [7,11,23,38]. Embedding continuous feedback mechanisms and student engagement into research can generate more meaningful and actionable insights [40].

Implications for Nursing Practice, Education, and Policy

The review underscores the need to formalize and recognize nurse-led mental health roles within universities. Institutions should provide structured training, integrate mental health promotion into curricula, and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration between nurses, psychologists, academic staff, and social workers [12,14,38]. Empowering nurses to lead preventive programs, resilience-building workshops, and peer-supported initiatives creates a proactive mental health culture [39]. These measures not only support individual students but also foster a campus-wide culture of openness, support, and mental health literacy [43]. Policy makers should ensure adequate staffing, resources, and institutional backing to embed these nurse-led initiatives sustainably [39].

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this systematic review addressed two guiding questions: the strategic roles of nurses in university mental health systems and the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions. The synthesis of evidence demonstrates that nurses are central agents of change in university mental health. They act not only as healthcare providers but also as mentors, educators, advocates, and first responders. By providing early assessment, health promotion, psychosocial support, preventive interventions, and care coordination, nurses significantly enhance student resilience, academic performance, and overall well-being.

By focusing on these two guiding questions, the review concludes that nurses are proactive leaders in university mental health care. Their interventions improve early detection, reduce stigma, strengthen resilience, and foster a supportive environment that equips students with the confidence to thrive academically and personally.

From a practical perspective, integrating nurses systematically into campus health services ensures that mental health support is accessible, proactive, and person-centered. Embedding nurse-led initiatives into both curricular and extracurricular activities allows continuous engagement with students, normalizes discussions around mental health, and promotes a culture of wellness. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting nurses through training, policy, and institutional recognition is essential to sustain effective and comprehensive student mental health care.

Ultimately, this review represents one of the first comprehensive syntheses of literature published between 2010 and 2026 on the role of nurses in university mental health systems. The findings highlight that nurses are indispensable actors in higher education mental health, with strategic involvement across assessment, education, psychosocial support, coordination, and prevention. Their contributions not only address immediate student needs but also build long-term resilience and institutional well-being. This positions nurses as essential leaders in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and effective university mental health care for the future.

Implications for Practice and Policy

  • Formal recognition of nursing roles: Universities should acknowledge nurses as central actors in campus mental health systems.
  • Specialized training: Nursing curricula and continuing education must include modules on mental health assessment, counseling, and preventive strategies.
  • Integration into campus structures: Nurse-led initiatives should be embedded in both curricular and extracurricular activities to normalize mental health discussions.
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration: Policies should strengthen collaboration between nurses, psychologists, academic staff, and social workers to ensure holistic care.
  • Resource allocation: Institutions and policymakers must provide adequate staffing, funding, and infrastructure to sustain nurse-led programs.
  • Global alignment: This aligns with WHO’s global strategy on mental health in higher education, which emphasizes early detection, stigma reduction, resilience-building, and accessible community-based care.
  • Innovation and equity: Future policies should support digital tools, culturally tailored programs, and low-cost interventions to expand access for diverse student populations.

Implications for Global Policy

Beyond institutional practice, these findings carry global relevance. This aligns with WHO’s global strategy on mental health in higher education, which emphasizes early detection, stigma reduction, resilience-building, and accessible community-based care. Embedding nurse-led initiatives within this framework ensures that universities contribute not only to student well-being but also to international public health priorities.

Importantly, these recommendations are consistent with WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030, which calls for strengthening community-based services, integrating mental health into educational systems, and promoting equity and accessibility worldwide. Positioning nurses at the center of university mental health care directly supports the achievement of these global objectives.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Mirela Tushe, upon reasonable request.

ETHICS COMMITTEE APPROVAL

N/A

INFORMED CONSENT

N/A

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The author would like to thank all colleagues and mentors who contributed guidance and support during the preparation of this literature review.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTION

Concept and design – M, E.SH, D.K; Supervision – M.T., E.SH. ; Resources/materials – M.T, D.K; Data col-lection and processing – M.T, D.K..; Literature search – M.T, D.K; Critical review and screening – M.T, E.SH, D.K; Analysis and interpretation – M.T, E.SH. D.K; Writing manuscript – M.T, D.K

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The author declares that there is no conflict of interests

FUNDING

This study received no funding 

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Citation: Tushe M, Shkurti E, Karagjozi D, Pula A (2026). Strategic Role of Nurses in Promoting and Managing Mental Health among University Students: A Literature Review. J. Psychiatr. Psychol. Sci. Vol.2 Iss.1, June (2026), pp:134-145.
Copyright: © 2026 Mirela Tushe, Enkelejda Shkurti, Dora Karagjozi, Alma Pula. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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