Differences in perceived competition and mental health scores between undergraduate students
Authors
McBrien, Ciarán
Issue Date
2022
Degree
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
With the recent rise in depression, anxiety, and stress amongst undergraduate students, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of perceived competition on the mental health of undergraduate students studying both within and outside of STEM courses. Using an online survey comprised of both an HMS perceived competition test and a modified DASS-21 questionnaire, this study aimed to examine differences between male and female undergraduate students, between STEM and non-STEM students, and to investigate if perceived competition was a valid predictor of mental health. The results of this study showed that women scored significantly higher for perceived competition, while no differences were seen between males and females, STEM and non-STEM students for depression, anxiety, and stress and that perceived competition was not a significantly positive predictor of DASS-21 scores. This study recommends further mental health supports should be made available for female undergraduate and non-STEM students.