University students’ psychological stress is increasing in terms of severity and prevalence and has become a public health concern due to the negative effects on personal development and academic performance. The World Mental Health International College Student project, coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), surveyed 13,984 students from 19 universities in eight countries (spanning four continents) investigating mental disorders among first-year college students. Around one third of the participants presented at least one Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–IV) anxiety, mood, or substance disorder.

Mental issues, if not receiving the necessary attention, in addition to affecting student’s performance, can lead to academic dropout. Respondek et al. analyzed predictors of academic success and dropout intention through a cross-sectional survey administered to 883 undergraduate students across all disciplines of a German university. The prediction of dropout intention by perceived academic control was fully mediated via anxiety, demonstrating the importance of students learning strategies to deal with this experience. Lipson and Eisenberg investigated the relationship between mental health and academic performance by examining data from 3556 students at four campuses in the United States. Through multivariable models, it was found that mental health problems were a significant predictor of academic dissatisfaction and dropout intentions, while positive mental health was a significant predictor of satisfaction and persistence. In Portugal, the dropout rate of undergraduate students has increased and is currently 29%.