Perceived Distress in College: Problem in Adjustment in a Social and Cultural Context

Abstract

This study examines the psychological distress associated with socio-cultural/economical influences among first-year students of the University of Colombo during the 2009/2010 academic year. A self-administered questionnaire was adopted with two distinctive sections: 1) the General Health Questionnaire version 30 (GHQ - 30) for determination of distress levels and 2) pilot and validated questionnaire for gathering socio-economic, education pressures, and physical stress. Information was gathered from 156 university students (68% male and 32% female) of four faculties. Of the students, 49% had distress. Students in the Law faculty showed the highest distress (53%) followed by Medical (48%) and Arts and Science (47%) faculties. Male students had a higher level of distress than female students.The most influential factors for psychological distress among first-year students were permanent residence, mode of residence during university education, and family income. Students who were having more interactions with their peers had lower distress levels. Furthermore, our results suggested that the first-year students of the University of Colombo were mainly suffering from adjustment problems to the new environment. Pre-orientation, guidance and counseling programs could be utilized as preventive measures to reduce the upsurge of psychological distress. Expansion of hostel facilities and financial assistance for needy students would be better rehabilitative measures to improve the psychological environment in universities.