Evaluating Students' Perceptions of Psychological Services in Technical Universities in Pakistan: Implications for Enhancing Educational Quality
Keywords:
psychological services, mental health, academic performance, student well-being, stigma, technical universities, Pakistan, counseling services, higher educationAbstract
This study investigates students' assessment of psychological services in technical universities in Pakistan, aiming to examine their relationship with academic performance and overall educational quality. With increasing mental health concerns among students, particularly in technical disciplines, psychological services are critical for fostering academic success and well-being. A mixed-methods approach was employed, consisting of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to gauge students’ awareness, utilization, and satisfaction with these services. The findings revealed that while many students acknowledged the importance of psychological services, a significant portion remained unaware or hesitant to seek help due to stigma and limited accessibility. The study highlighted the positive impact of psychological services on students' mental health and academic performance. However, barriers such as long waiting times, lack of counselor availability, and societal stigma continued to hinder full utilization. Recommendations for improving psychological services include raising awareness, reducing stigma, increasing counselor availability, and integrating mental health support more effectively into the academic environment. This study contributes to enhancing the understanding of how psychological services can support student success in Pakistani technical universities.
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