Psychology in the promotion of university student health

Abstract

The mental health of university students has been the subject of much research in the country and motivated important discussions from social, economic, political and pedagogical perspectives, among others. Studies have demonstrated the health vulnerability of the students, making relevant the investigation of interventions of the psychologist in front of this problematic. The present study aimed to identify and analyze practices developed by psychologists in the Student Assistance of federal public universities in Minas Gerais, using the theoretical and methodological assumptions of Critical School Psychology. The qualitative research was developed with the participation of 19 psychologists, who answered a questionnaire. Responses concerning the profile o the participants, the professional practice and the perceptions of the psychologists about it, were analyzed, involving professional composition of services, modalities of action, challenges and difficulties with strategies of coping and overcoming; necessary changes; role of the psychologist in student assistance and understanding of the contribution of his / her performance to Education. It was verified the existence of actions to promote the student's health and the presence of the interface of Psychology with Education and Health both in the training and in the performance of the professionals.