Research Program

Mission Statement

CAPS is committed to clinical research projects that contribute to knowledge about mental health issues faced by the diverse student population at U of M from all around the globe. We believe that scientific research informs clinical practice and visa- versa. By focusing efforts on research, we hope to stay on top of cutting edge advancements in the field of college student mental health.

Our previous and current research projects include:

College Student Mental Health Survey - Phase I

Mental health issues on college and university campuses have gained increased attention over the past decade across the country. The University of Michigan College Student Mental Health Survey (CSMHS) was undertaken as a first step towards gaining a better understanding of the broad range of mental health issues that face the college student population. This exploratory study describes the mental health history and current distress and coping of 939 college students from the university of Michigan, with an approximate enrollment of 40,000 students. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.

Full description about this survey and results

Soet,Sevig article

College Student Mental Health Survey - Phase II

College student mental health research continues to move beyond assumptions and anecdotes toward a sophisticated understanding of the complexity and severity of issues faced by today's students. The Phase II of the College Student Mental Health Survey (CSMHSII) was undertaken two years after the first (i.e., Phase I) survey. New questions about mental heath areas receiving great attention from both researchers and clinicians were added to Phase II. These areas include: internet use, non-suicidal self-injury, and trauma.

Full description about this survey and results

Presentations and publications based on Phase II data:
Cheng, H-L., Soet, J. , & Sevig, T. (2008). Counseling Psychologists facing a diverse and international clientele. Poster presented at the 2008 International Counseling Psychology Conference, Chicago, IL.

Cheng, H-L., Mallinckrodt, B. S., Soet, J., & Sevig, T. (in press). Developing a screening instrument and at-risk profile for non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in college women and men. Journal of Counseling Psychology.

Cheng, H-L. (2009). Traumatic life events and psychological distress in LGB college students: The moderator roles of family support and spirituality. A Poster to be presented at the upcoming 2009 annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Toronto, Canada.

Center for the Study of Collegiate Student Mental Health (CSCMH)

CSCMH is a national counseling center effort to standardize the clinical data gathered in counseling centers. It is currently housed at the Counseling and Psychological Services at Penn State University. CSCMH is a national collaboration intending to establish a scientific research infrastructure for university and college counseling centers. CSCMH

Conducting Research with CAPS

Guidelines for requesting research involving CAPS clients