The influence of internalizing and externalizing mental health problems on the psychological wellbeing of students in selected private universities in Kampala district, Uganda

• Published in: KIU Interdisciplinary Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 314 - 326
• Main Author: Tumuranzye, Methodius
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 23.05.2025
• ISSN: 2708-7050; 2708-7050
• DOI: 10.59568/KIJHUS-2025-6-1-22

This study aimed to examine the influence of internalizing and externalizing mental health problems on the psychological well-being of students in selected private universities in Kampala District, Uganda. A total of 316 students participated in the study, providing quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were analyzed using multivariate linear regression, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results revealed significant negative relationships between both internalizing (depression and anxiety) and externalizing (aggression and substance abuse) mental health problems and students' psychological well-being. Specifically, internalizing mental health problems had a slightly stronger negative effect on psychological well-being compared to externalizing problems. The multivariate regression analysis indicated that internalizing mental health problems (B = -1.344, p < 0.001) and externalizing problems (B = -1.184, p < 0.001) significantly reduced students’ well-being. These findings were consistent with previous studies, such as those by Auerbach et al. (2018) and Muwanguzi et al. (2023), which highlighted the pervasive impact of these mental health issues on university students globally and in Uganda. Furthermore, qualitative interviews provided deeper insights into the psychological struggles faced by students, with many reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety, and aggression that affected their emotional stability, academic performance, and social relationships. It was concluded that both internalizing and externalizing mental health problems substantially contribute to psychological distress among students, leading to academic disengagement, social withdrawal, and poor emotional health. It was recommended that universities in Kampala should prioritize the development of comprehensive mental health programs that integrate counseling services, mental health awareness campaigns, and peer support systems. Training for academic staff and students on early detection and support for mental health issues should be implemented to create a supportive academic environment. Additionally, universities should allocate dedicated resources and collaborate with mental health organizations to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives. These interventions will contribute to enhancing students' overall psychological well-being and academic success.