Enhancing Mental Health Literacy Among Art University Students: Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Mental Health Education Program in Guangxi, China

Mental health literacy (MHL) is essential for university students, particularly in art institutions where psychological stressors are prevalent. However, limited awareness and stigma toward mental illness persist, impacting help-seeking behaviors. This study examines the effectiveness of a Mental Health Education Program (MHEP) in improving MHL, recognition of mental illness, and attitudes toward individuals with mental illness among art university students in Guangxi, China. A quasi-experimental research design with pre-test and post-test measures was used, involving 390 students divided into experimental and control groups. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, with survey questionnaires for quantitative analysis and semi-structured interviews for qualitative insights. Findings indicate that the MHEP significantly improved mental health literacy and illness recognition (p < .001), but attitudinal changes were minimal, suggesting the need for long-term stigma-reduction efforts. The study supports the integration of structured mental health education programs in universities and highlights the importance of experiential learning strategies for deeper attitude transformation.