The Role of Gender in Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Among College Students

Mental health issues among college students have become a significant area of concern, with Anxiety, Stress, and Depression being the most prevalent psychological challenges. This study examines the role of gender in influencing these mental health dimensions among college students. A sample of 100 students (50 males and 50 females) from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District, Maharashtra, was selected using non-probability purposive sampling. The Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Scale (ADSS-BSPSA) was utilized to assess the psychological well-being of the participants. Statistical analysis was conducted using the t-test, and the results indicated significant gender differences in mental health outcomes. The findings revealed that female college students exhibited significantly higher levels of Anxiety (M = 11.02, SD = 2.36), Stress (M = 12.07, SD = 3.33), and Depression (M = 10.74, SD = 2.03) compared to male students (Anxiety: M = 7.06, SD = 2.45; Stress: M = 7.45, SD = 3.08; Depression: M = 6.84, SD = 2.71). The t-values for Anxiety (8.23), Stress (7.20), and Depression (8.14) were all statistically significant at the 0.01 level, suggesting that gender has a substantial impact on these psychological variables. The study highlights that female student face greater psychological distress, likely due to academic pressures, societal expectations, and emotional sensitivity.