Abstract

The present study aims to explore the mental health of college students regarding anxiety, stress, and depression. Pursuing higher education can be difficult and can have a negative impact on your mental health if there is a lack of social support from school, friends, and family. The hypotheses stated that there would be a relationship between the number of hours worked and the symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. Another hypothesis stated that there would be a significant positive relationship between the method of payment for school and anxiety, stress, and depression. The present study used a demographic survey and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Survey (DASS; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) to measure the levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in a sample of college students (n = 87). The descriptive statistics show lower than expect means of the three mental health symptoms measured. A Pearson's correlational analysis revealed no significant relationships between hours worked with anxiety, stress, and depression. An independent samples t test revealed there were no significant relationships between anxiety, stress, depression, and the method of payment. The present study is a strong basis for future research. Larger samples and a more in-depth survey are needed to gain a better understanding of mental health in college students. The purpose of this study was to encourage universities to assess the general mental health of students and to provide more resources to those students struggling with their mental health.

Recommended Citation

Olson, Katie (2017) "Mental Health and College Students," Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal: Vol. 1: Iss. 20, Article 12.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/psych_journals/vol1/iss20/12