Journal Of Health Science Community
Vol. 6 No. 4 (2026): May

The Role of Mental Health Literacy in Burnout and Psychological Distress among University Students: A Systematic Literature Review

Hakim Anasulfalah (School of Health Sciences Mamba’ul ‘Ulum Surakarta, Indonesia)
Rubiyanta (Ziyad Visi Media)
Ahmad Syauqi Mubarok (Mambaul Ulum Surakarta Health College)
Joko Tri Atmojo (Mambaul Ulum Surakarta Health College)
Rina Tri Handayani (Mambaul Ulum Surakarta Health College)
Aris Widiyanto (Mambaul Ulum Surakarta Health College)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 May 2026

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role-mental health literacy on burnout and psychological distress in college students through a systematic literature review approach. The increasing phenomenon of mental health problems among college students is a significant concern because it impacts their psychological well-being, academic performance, and quality of life. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach with a systematic literature review method based on the PRISMA guidelines. Article searches were conducted through several online databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, BASE, and Consensus for the period 2020–2025. The article selection process was carried out using inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 10 articles that met the requirements for analysis. Data were analyzed using thematic synthesis techniques to identify key research patterns and themes. The results showed that mental health literacy has a significant relationship with academic burnout, psychological distress, and psychological help-seeking behavior in college students. Students with good mental health literacy tend to have more adaptive coping skills, better emotional regulation skills, and are more open to seeking professional help when experiencing psychological problems. Conversely, low/mental health literacy is associated with increased stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and academic burnout. This study concluded that mental health literacy is an important protective factor in maintaining students' mental health. These findings provide practical implications for universities to develop mental health promotion programs, psycho education, and campus-based counseling services to reduce the risk of burnout and psychological distress among students.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jhsc

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

Journal of Health Science Community (JHSC) is an open access journal (e-journal) which publishes scientific works for health worker, academic people, and practitioners. JHSC welcomes and invites original and relevant research articles in health science, as well as literature study and case report ...