A Study on Mental Health and Higher Education Awareness among XII Standard Tribal Students

Abstract

Mental health and awareness of higher education opportunities play a crucial role in shaping students’ academic engagement, aspirations, and future career pathways, particularly among students from marginalized communities. Tribal students at the higher secondary level often face psychological, social, and educational challenges that influence their readiness for higher education. The present study aims to assess the level of mental health and higher education awareness among XII standard tribal students and to examine gender differences in these variables. A survey method was adopted, and the sample consisted of XII standard tribal students selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using an investigator-developed mental health scale and a higher education awareness scale. percentage analysis and t-test were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that the majority of tribal students exhibited a moderate level of mental health and higher education awareness. Significant gender differences were found in certain dimensions of mental health, namely anxiety, emotional well-being, and overall mental health, as well as in higher education awareness. The study highlights the need for targeted psychological support and structured guidance programme to enhance both mental well-being and awareness of higher education opportunities among tribal students.