An expert panel under China's Ministry of Education was established in Beijing Wednesday to give advice on the psychology of college and university students.

The 25-member panel will conduct research and give advice to colleges and universities on ways to help students maintain a sound psychological condition, including giving instructions and assessing their state of mind using tested scientific methods.

It will also monitor efforts in caring for the psychology of the students.

College and university students have come under mounting pressure from fierce academic and employment competition.

Yuan Guiren, vice-minister of education, said at the inauguration meeting that the establishment of the panel aims to implement directions of the central authorities on beefing up and improving the ideological and political education of college and university students.

According to the directions, colleges and universities should offer instruction to students on how to maintain a sound psychological condition and cultivate fine qualities, including the capability to overcome difficulties and withstand setbacks.

"Rapid social changes have brought much pressure to many people, including college and university students. If not addressed properly, the pressure might lead to psychological problems," said Fang Xiaoyi, a psychology professor at Beijing Normal University and one of the panel members.

(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2005)