BEM-ESTAR E SAÚDE MENTAL DE ESTUDANTES NO ENSINO SUPERIOR: UM ESTUDO DIFERENCIAL EM FUNÇÃO DO GÉNERO

Abstract

This study, conducted within the "vagar(mente)" Mental Health Program at the University of Évora, characterized the well-being and mental health of 322 higher education students. Findings indicated significant gender differences: male students reported a better perception of physical health (physical function, performance, and less bodily pain), while female students showed higher levels of burnout (cognitive and physical fatigue, emotional exhaustion). Crucially, mental health consistently declined over the academic years, with vulnerability peaking in the intermediate (2nd and 3rd) and final years. Healthy lifestyle habits also deteriorated continuously. The study stresses the urgent need for gender- and phase-adapted health promotion programs within universities.