Mental Health for Vocational Education Model in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province of China

Background and Aim: Vocational college students in Zhengzhou, Henan Province of China, face significant mental health challenges impacting their learning and future. This study aimed to systematically investigate their mental health status, develop a scientifically sound and feasible intervention model, and evaluate its practical relevance through expert input to improve student well-being. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data from 381 vocational students via online questionnaires assessed mental health dimensions, using stratified random sampling. Qualitative insights were gathered through 12 semi-structured interviews with psychology teachers and a focus group discussion by 9 experts using purposive sampling for the model’s confirmation. Instrument validation involved expert review and pilot testing. Data analysis combined descriptive and inferential statistics with thematic analysis, followed by expert focus group discussions for validation and refinement. Results: The findings revealed that student mental health mapping revealed moderate, widespread challenges, including obsessive-compulsive symptoms, sleep/diet problems, interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, and depression. Subgroup analyses showed higher stress in sophomores and distinct tendencies in urban students. In response, a five-dimensional model (assessment, literacy, prevention, counseling, ecological support) was developed. Expert evaluation yielded high approval ratings (exceeding 70% across utility, feasibility, suitability, and accuracy), confirming the model’s scientific and operational viability. This validates its potential to address identified service gaps and align with holistic mental health approaches. Conclusion: The study successfully developed a theoretically sound and practical mental health education model. This model, validated by expert feedback, addresses the critical need for a systematic, culturally appropriate, and implementable mental health system for vocational college students. The findings provide a clear and empirically supported pathway for institutions to adopt and advance mental health care, ultimately enhancing student well-being and contributing to the field in China.