An Investigation of Mental Health and Its Relationship with Social Capital among the Students of Islamic Azad University - Khalkhal

Background & Aims of the Study: Given the importance of mental health issues of students and the role of social capital in promoting mental health and improving academic performance, this study was designed to evaluate the mental health status of students of Islamic Azad University, Khalkhal Branch and its relationship with social capital. This descriptive-analytical study eas conducted on 435 the Islamic Azad University students, Khalkhal Branch at first half of the academic year 2013-14. Data were collected using Demographic, Mental Health and Social Capital questionnaires and then analyzed using SPSS software version 21, correlation test, chi-square and t-test. Results showed that 72.5 percent of students participating in the study suspected to have mental disorders. Males had better mental health. There was no significant correlation between mental health score, financial status, age and residency status (P> 0.05). There was a significant relationship between mental health and all areas of social capital except the area of business communications. Due to the unique conditions of students and findings of the study based on the positive effect of increased social capital on the improvement of mental health, much attention and effort should be paid by authorities to provide appropriate infrastructures to develop social capital in higher educational system and create opportunities for social interaction both in individual and group interactions.