Impact of MDCAT scores on pessimism, loneliness, and depressive symptoms: Moderating role of coping strategies

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of MDCAT scores on pessimism, loneliness, and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, to check the moderating effect of coping strategies. Purposive sample technique was used to get the relevant sample. MDCAT failures (N = 149) from different educational organization of Bahawalpur (Pakistan) were included in the research as sample. Demographic form, Siddiqui Shah Depression Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Life Orientation Test and Coping Styles Scale were administered to assess the impact of MDCAT scores on pessimism, depressive and loneliness symptoms among MDCAT failures and to assess the moderating role of coping strategies. For statistical analysis PLS and SPSS software were used. PLS algorithm, PLS bootstrapping, PLS moderation analysis and independent sample t-test were used to get the results. Results reveal that there is a significant impact of MDCAT scores on pessimism, depressive and loneliness symptoms. Also, there is significant positive relationship among pessimism, depressive and loneliness symptoms. Problem focused coping significantly moderate the relationship between MDCAT scores and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, problem focused coping has significant negative relationship with pessimism, depressive and loneliness symptoms. Moreover, emotion focused coping has significant positive relationship with depressive symptoms. Female were found having more emotion focused coping. The findings of the study have practical implications in providing insight relevant for development of psychological disturbance in MDCAT failures.