Depression Prevalence and Risk Factors Among College Students: A Literature Review
Overview
This literature review examines the prevalence of depression among college students, which occurs at significantly higher rates (30.6%) compared to the general population (16.2%). The paper identifies multiple risk factors including psychological, biological, and social factors, and proposes a crisis intervention approach to identify and support at-risk students.
What this literature review covers
- Introduction and definition of depression with clinical symptoms and prevalence statistics
- Risk factors analysis including family dysfunction, cognitive distortions, anxiety, social exclusion, and academic pressures
- Discussion of college-specific stressors during adolescence-to-adulthood transition
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Literature Review Outline
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Literature Review Outline
Several studies have shown a marked increase over the years in college students suffering from mental health issues. Depression is a common diagnosis made by mental health professionals handling students in tertiary institutions. Given the enormous social and personal repercussions of depression among college students, including substance abuse, health care expenses, college dropout, and suicide, recognizing depression risk factors in college students is imperative. This paper will carry out a literature review of the prevalence of depression among college students and highlight a more crisis intervention approach to identifying learners at increased risk of suffering depression.
Cooper et al. (2020) describes depression as “a common and serious mood disorder that results in persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, as well as a loss of interest in activities that one once enjoyed" (p. 19). Its symptoms include suicidality, weight changes, trouble thinking or focusing, despair, excessive guilt, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty sleeping. While the complex interaction of psychological, biological, and social factors causes depression, various studies have demonstrated that stress caused by college significantly contributed to student depression. Ahmed et al. (2020) postulate that college students are at a crucial transient period between adolescence to adulthood characterized by endocrine surges, emotional havocs, and identity crises. They are also faced with the stresses of their academics, financial difficulties, and separation from their family members, which further exacerbates their mental health issues.