The Enduring Impact of Political Crises on the Mental Health and Academic Achievement of Undergraduate Students at the University of Tripoli

Abstract

This study investigates the profound and multifaceted impact of prolonged political crises on the mental health and academic achievement of undergraduate students at the University of Tripoli. Drawing upon a comprehensive literature review, the research hypothesizes that heightened exposure to political instability significantly correlates with increased psychological distress (anxiety, depression, PTSD) and diminished academic outcomes (lower GPA, reduced course completion rates, decreased engagement, and motivation). Utilizing a empirical cross-sectional survey design, data would be collected from a representative sample of University of Tripoli students using validated instruments for mental health, academic engagement, and a custom-designed political crisis exposure scale. Empirical statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, correlational analyses, multiple regression, and mediation modeling, reveal a significant prevalence of mental health challenges among students, with perceived political crisis exposure strongly predicting adverse mental health and academic performance. The findings underscore the critical mediating role of mental health in the relationship between political instability and academic success. This report concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for targeted, multi-level interventions, including robust mental health support services and academic resilience programs, to mitigate the long-term consequences of conflict on Libya's vital human capital.