Mental Health of University Students in València Following the 2024 Cutoff Low (DANA): A Cross-Sectional Study

Natural disasters are stress factors that can affect university students’ mental health. During the floods caused by the 2024 cutoff low (DANA in Spanish) in Valencia, the media recognized the remarkable volunteer work carried out by students during the recovery effort. This study assessed the consequences of the DANA event on stress, well-being, and distress symptomatology (depression and anxiety) among 793 Spanish university students, 593 of whom were enrolled in affected universities. The results revealed that, compared with those who were not exposed, students who were exposed to DANA had higher levels of positive affect and life satisfaction alongside fewer depressive symptoms. However, participants who experienced direct losses evidenced lower levels of well-being and greater distress, as did women and individuals combining studies with work. Structural equation modeling enabled the testing of a theoretically specified structural model between perceived stress and mental health. In both groups, stress affected anxiety and depression directly. Nevertheless, among those affected by DANA, stress was associated with life satisfaction solely indirectly via affect. These findings underscore the coexistence of adaptation and vulnerability processes in the aftermath of the disaster and highlight the need to focus the actions of higher education institutions on prevention and psychosocial support.