MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

This study examined the role and status of Mental Health Literacy (MHL) and its relationship with the Quality of Life (QoL) among 327 college students in Negros Occidental during the 2023-2024 academic year. Using a quantitative correlational design, MHL and QoL were measured through the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS). Results showed that students have an average level of MHL, excelling in disorder recognition, risk factors, professional help, and positive mental health promotion. However, areas for improvement include anxiety self-management, digital resource utilization, and reducing stigmatizing beliefs. QoL scores indicated high satisfaction in physical and material well-being, personal development, and recreation, with room for improvement in interpersonal relations and community engagement. Significant differences in MHL and QoL were found based on demographics, with females scoring higher than males, and variations across program clusters reflecting the influence of educational and social environments. A strong positive association between MHL and QoL was identified which highlighted MHL's primary involvement in student well-being. The study recommends that tertiary institutions alike may further enhance MHL through workshops, counseling, and curriculum adjustments to further improve QoL. Future research should investigate causality and include diverse populations to further understand MHL and QoL dynamics.