A cross sectional survey of depression and anxiety in college students

Authors

O'Carroll, Norman

Issue Date

2009

Degree

BA in Psychology

Publisher

Dublin Business School

Rights

Items in Esource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder

Abstract

The objective of the survey was to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in a cross sectional college population of 187 students and to examine some of the demographic and psychological correlates as well as comparing levels of depression and anxiety between groups. Self assessment questionnaires were used to record demographic information in relation to year of study, gender and national or international student as well as other questions relating to financial concern and perceived social support. The Beck depression ii questionnaire and the Beck anxiety inventory were used to assess levels of student suffering. Questionnaires were handed to students during class in a cross sectional sample taken to represent students in different years of study as well as full and part time students. The findings suggest that 15% of students surveyed were suffering from moderate-severe depression, and 24% of students were suffering from moderate-severe anxiety, which represents 39% of students sampled. The prevalence of severe depression appears to be slightly higher for females. Perceived social support in and outside of college was found to significant correlate with depression and anxiety. Significance was found in the level of anxiety in international students. Significant correlation was found with financial concern and depression and anxiety. After multivariate regression analyses financial concern and social support were found to predict depression in college students.

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