Young adulthood is a crucial period for identity development, relationship formation, and preparation for workforce entry. Undergraduate university students in particular face elevated risks for mental health problems such as loneliness, depression, and suicidal ideation. With unprecedented disruptions brought on by COVID-19, this vulnerable population had to shoulder an additional layer of developmental difficulties. This cross-sectional, retrospective study critically investigated the perpetuating and protective psychosocial factors that affected undergraduate students’ mental health (as measured by Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21-Item and ULCA Loneliness Scale). A total of 324 Singaporean undergraduate students (Mage= 21.93 years; SD=1.707), with 75.4% females and 24.6% males, were recruited and had completed online survey. Independent t-test was conducted and found significant gender differences on all mental health outcomes (-4.26≤ t ≤-2.26, p≤.025). Pearson correlational analysis was used to identify significant psychosocial variables (i.e., family relationships, coping styles) with r≥.30; these variables were then added to hierarchical multiple regression models to identify predictors of depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. Findings revealed that: (a) loneliness and unhealthy coping styles accounted for 53.9% of variance in depressive symptoms, (b) gender and unhealthy coping styles accounted for 35.4% of variance in anxiety, (c) gender, family conflicts, unhealthy coping styles, and loneliness accounted for 51.9% of variance in perceived stress, as well as (d) family cohesion, depressive symptoms, and unhealthy coping styles accounted for 44.9% of variance in loneliness among undergraduates. Findings and implications will be discussed.

Authors:
Andy Hau Yan Ho, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Ping Ying Choo, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Geraldine Tan-Ho, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Andy Hau Yan Ho is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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