Latent Profiles of Psychological Distress and Social Inequalities in Brazilian Higher Education

To identify latent profiles of psychological distress in the Brazilian academic community and analyze their association with sociodemographic inequalities.

A nationwide online survey was conducted with 3,770 participants, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and administrative staff from public higher education institutions. Standardized instruments were used to assess symptoms of common mental health conditions. Statistical modeling was applied to identify distinct profiles of psychological distress and examine their relationship with sociodemographic characteristics.

Five profiles of psychological distress were identified: acute anxious-depressive (14.0%), substance-related distress (9.0%), multimorbidity (10.6%), low symptom burden (39.4%), and severe internalizing (27.0%). These profiles were consistent across students, faculty, and staff. Higher levels of psychological distress were observed among undergraduate students, women, non-binary individuals, and participants from Black, Brown, and Indigenous groups, as well as those with lower income. Older age and higher income were associated with lower likelihood of belonging to more severe profiles. The findings reflect a high burden of self-reported symptoms rather than prevalence of diagnosed mental disorders.

Psychological distress in higher education is heterogeneous and socially patterned. The identification of distinct profiles highlights the need for targeted and equitable institutional strategies, including mental health screening, psychosocial support, and interventions focused on vulnerable groups.