Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Satisfaction with Life: Moderating Role of Interpersonal Needs among Undergraduate Students
Abstract BackgroundDepression, anxiety, and stress are ranked among the top mental health concerns faced by undergraduate students. The transition to higher education coincides with the new social environment and adaptation that has potential to increase mental illness.AimsIn this cross-sectional study, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire were used to examine depression, anxiety, stress, interpersonal needs, and satisfaction with life among 430 undergraduate students in two private universities in Malaysia.MethodThis study conducted hierarchical regression analysis to show that thwarted belongingness accentuates the negative relationship between stress and satisfaction with life.ResultsThe study also showed that students, who reported higher perceived burdensomeness, appeared to be less than satisfied in life, but there is a positive relationship between (i) depression and (ii) anxiety with satisfaction with life.ConclusionsFindings and suggestions for mental health practitioners, researchers and teaching staff, are put forward.