Mental Health Literacy in University General Education: A Case Study of the Youth and Mental Health Course and Its Educational Implications

This study analyzed the case of the general education course Youth and Mental Health to explore the practical effects and educational potential of university-level liberal arts education based on Mental Health Literacy(MHL). Developed in response to the growing prevalence of youth mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, and suicide, the course was designed around thirteen themes that connected theoretical understanding with practical application through project-based learning. To maximize student engagement, the course incorporated small-group projects, worksheets, quizzes, and video production activities, enabling learners to participate actively and reflectively. Course evaluations indicated high overall satisfaction, suggesting that the effectiveness of the class derived not only from the instructor’s competence but also from students’ intrinsic motivation and interest in mental health. Moreover, the digital learning design utilizing the LMS platform for resource sharing, feedback, and self-assessment functioned as a modern liberal arts model combining autonomy and interaction. Text-mining analysis further revealed a perceptual shift among students, from a pathology-centered to a growthoriented understanding of mental health. These results demonstrate that the Youth and Mental Health course transcends knowledge transmission to foster self-reflection, practical attitudes, and the social contextualization of mental health within higher education.