engleski

Predictors of adjustment problems and life satisfaction in University students

The transition to adulthood brings many challenges and opportunities, which seem to be especially difficult for University students. Studies show that University students experience more psychological problems and adjustment difficulties that their same aged peers, who do not attend University (Hunt & Eisenberg, 2010). The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in a sample of University students and factors affecting depression, anxiety, stress and life satisfaction. 418 University students completed Rotter’s I-E Scale (Rotter, 1966), Self-liking/Self-competence Scale (SLCS-R ; Tafarodi and Swann, 1995), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS ; Endler and Parker, 1990), Social Support Apraisal Scale (SS-A ; Vaux et al., 1986), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DAS ; Lovibond and Lovibond, 1995) and Life Satisfaction Scale (Penezić, 2002). The results of hierarchical regression analyses have shown that external locus of control and lower self-esteem predict higher depression, anxiety and stress and lower life satisfaction. Problem focused coping (negatively) and emotion focused coping (positively) additionally predicted depression, anxiety and stress. Avoidant coping also predicted lower stress, while life satisfaction was predicted only by problem focused coping. After controlling for the effects of locus of control, self-esteem and coping, social support significantly predicted depression and life satisfaction. Specifically, family support predicted lower depression, while family and support from friends predicted higher life satisfaction. Furthermore, the result also suggest that relations between locus of control and outcome variables are mediated by problem and emotion focused coping. Insight into differential effects of examined factors on outcome variables allows for better understanding of university student’s adjustment and ways of providing support in adjusting to academic life.

university, depression, anxity, stress, life satisfaction

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