Mental Health and Psychological Stress in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education: A Study of Local University Students
Siping Tang, Liangwei Chen, Qinghai Tang, Zhicheng Wang, Yuhui Xu, Jin ChenAbstract
Objective
This study shifts focus from pedagogical outcomes to student mental health and psychological stress as primary research objects. It investigates how I&E education affects anxiety, depressive symptoms, emotional exhaustion, and perceived stress, establishing an evidence-based understanding of the mental health costs associated with mandatory I&E curricula.
Subjects and Methods
The study draws on educational psychology theories. A survey of 1,200 students from twenty local universities assessed: (1) GAD-7 for anxiety; (2) PHQ-9 for depression; (3) PSS-10 for stress; (4) MBI-SS for emotional exhaustion; and (5) I&E engagement intensity. National and local policies were also analyzed.
Results
Current I&E education faces persistent difficulties. Mental health findings reveal significant burdens: elevated anxiety (GAD-7 mean 8.4±4.2, 32.1% ≥10), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 mean 7.6±4.8, 21.3% ≥10), and high stress (PSS-10 mean 18.7±5.6). Emotional exhaustion was higher among students with mandatory I&E requirements (MBI-SS: 25.3±8.1 vs. 18.7±7.4, P<0.001). Psychological stress mediated the relationship between course demands and adverse mental health outcomes (indirect effect β=0.34). Low self-efficacy and risk-averse appraisals amplified psychological distress.
Conclusions
I&E education, as currently implemented, is associated with significant mental health burdens—elevated anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and stress. Psychological stress links course demands to adverse outcomes. Recommended pathways include: routine mental health screening, curriculum redesign reducing performance pressure, accessible counseling addressing entrepreneurship-related anxiety, and fostering a supportive culture that normalizes failure. These findings provide guidance for I&E reform that safeguards student mental health.
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by Teaching Reform Research Project of General Universities in Hunan Province, “Research on the Reform and Practice of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education in Local Normal Universities under the Background of ‘Internet + Education’” (HNJG-20230895); 2025 Hunan Provincial High-Quality Course for College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education, “Development and Incubation of Animal Biopharmaceuticals Based on the ‘4321 Industry–Education–Science–Culture’ Integrated Education Model.”
Corresponding Author
Siping Tang, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan, China.