Attendance Detector with Integrated Mental Health Screening: A Conceptual Framework for Higher Education

Mughaneswari Sahadevan; Jogeswari Ramamoorthy; Shi Xinwei; Dody Jenhar; Shazwanis Shukri

Authors

Mughaneswari Sahadevan Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies, Management and Science University, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia
Jogeswari Ramamoorthy Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies, Management and Science University, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Shi Xinwei Durham University Business School, DH1 4LB Mill Lane, Durham University, United Kingdom
Dody Jenhar Vice President, PT Titipan Kilat, Pekan Baru, Riau Indonesia
Shazwanis Shukri School of International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06100 Sintok Kedah, Malaysia

Keywords:

Attendance system, mental health, student well-being, higher education, digital monitoring

Abstract

Attendance has long been used as a measure of student engagement and performance in higher education. Yet, attendance alone does not provide insight into students’ overall well-being, particularly their mental health, whereas it is a critical determinant of academic success and persistence. Growing evidence shows that absenteeism is often linked to stress, anxiety, or depression, making attendance data a potentially valuable proxy for early mental health detection. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for integrating attendance detection with mental health screening in higher education institutions. Drawing on literature from education technology, mental health informatics, and student support systems, the study highlights how a triangular model linking attendance, mental health, and institutional support can foster holistic student engagement. The paper identifies research gaps, outlines method, practical implication and suggests directions for future empirical research.