A Mental Health Model of Students in State Universities and Colleges and Local Universities and Colleges in Negros Occidental, Philippines

Background: The Philippine mental health act of 2018 reshaped the nation’s mental health care. Despite its global relevance, few studies examine factors affecting college mental health outcomes. Objective: Based on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, this study aims to develop a structural model illustrating the direct and indirect relationships between variables and mental health. Design and Methodology: The study surveyed 510 randomly selected students from state and local universities in Philippines, employing a path model to examine relationships among the variables. Results: The study found that mental health was significantly influenced by social support (β = .22, p < .001), academic stress (β = .21, p < .001), service accessibility (β = .18, p < .001), and campus policies (β = .16, p < .001). Mental health literacy directly influences help-seeking (β = .42, p < .001). Campus policies were influenced by mental health literacy (β = .16, p < .001) and service accessibility (β = .66, p < .001). Campus culture (β = .23, p < .001), service accessibility (β = .14, p < .001), academic stress (β = .15, p < .001), and mental health literacy (β = .13, p < .001) also influenced social support. Mental health literacy was negatively correlated with stigma (β = -.34, p < .001), while campus culture was positively linked to service accessibility (β = .39, p < .001). Mediator effect of campus policies and social support was confirmed. Conclusion and Implications: These findings underscore the need for a systemic approach to mental health promotion in state universities, offering a framework to guide the development of supportive, well-being–oriented academic environments. Educational institutions are encouraged to promote mental health literacy programs aimed at reducing mental health stigma and actively promoting students’ willingness to seek help.