Association between Stress Depression Anxiety and Coping Styles among Indian University Students during COVID-19 Outbreak

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Psychiatric illnesses such as Depression and Anxiety can have a substantial impact on one’s mental health. Depression is the most common psychiatric condition diagnosed among students. Objectives: To find out the association of factors which are linked to Stress, Depression, Anxiety and coping styles among Indian University students during COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic, DASS-21 and Brief-COPE inventory were used. Results: The study comprised a total of 201 University students ranging in age from 17 to 36 years old. Female students (n=150) were the most common responses, followed by male students (n=51). Depression, anxiety and stress correlated with active coping, planning, positive reframing, acceptance, humor, emotional support, instrumental support, self-distraction, denial, venting, substance use, behavioral disengagement, selfblame and religion. Conclusion: Venting, behavioural disengagement and self-blame are all examples of maladaptive coping techniques that have a significant impact on University students’ Stress, Anxiety and Depression levels. This research will provide a better understanding of the underlying influence of coping methods on Stress, Depression, and Anxiety among university students during the COVID-19 outbreak, enabling for early intervention and improved outcomes: