General health, psychiatric vulnerability and withdrawal from university in first-year undergraduates

Abstract

Abstract Goldberg's 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the Student Vulnerability Inventory (SVI) were administered to 1,279 first-year undergraduates at the time of registration. The relationship between three sets of data was examined: GHQ scores, vulnerability factors, and withdrawal from university. Positive associations were found between high GHQ scores and an unsatisfactory relationship with parents, previous psychological investigation or help, and a family history of psychiatric disorder. Withdrawal from university was found to be related to high GHQ scores, an unsatisfactory relationship with parents, and previous psychological investigation or help. The implications of these findings are discussed.