Comparison of Depression among freshmen and Last Year College Students

Background: Going off to college is a unique point in time for young adults. It forces independence from a developed comfort zone that folks may have had through the end of high school, and at the same time drives home the point that there is no one around to clean up one’s mistakes anymore. The purpose of this study was to measure the depression among college freshmen and last year college students. Methods: Two groups were selected one is of freshmen and the other is of last year, both groups have 60 students. Each group has 30 students. Data were collected from the Delhi and National capital Region College students. In this research paper “Cognitive Self-Statements in Depression: Development of an Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire.” by Dr. Steven Hollon and Philip Kendall was used. “t” test was used for analysis. Results: There is no significance difference in the level of depression among freshmen and last year college students, but last year students are more depressed. Last year students have more pressure of making career than freshmen and to maintain their grades on regular basis and no fun activity with monotonous lifestyle can be a major cause of depression in today’s youth. Conclusion: In the present research study it is found that there is no significant difference among freshmen and last year college students. Freshmen are more enthusiastic and new to college which makes them interested to attend classes and less stress regarding the making of career as compared to last year college students. Last year students have more pressure to cope up with family issues and societal pressure.