Positive and negative relationship between the source of the problem and self-esteem with the occurrence of mental health disorders among undergraduate students

Abstract

Introduction: University students with mental health problem has risen significantly over the past few years. The increasing number of freshmen students was detected to have a tendency for mental and emotional disorders. Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to find a model of factors that influence depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate students. This model could identify factors that have positive and negative effects on depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate students. Methods: This is a cross-sectional quantitative study using an equal probability sampling method with stratified random sampling to get a proportional sample in each school and faculty in the subject university. Variables measured in this study include problem source, self-esteem, social support, coping, depression, anxiety, and stress. Analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Results: Self-esteem had a negative relationship with the occurrence of depression, anxiety, and stress (t-value -5.56 > 1.96), while problem source had a positive relationship with the occurrence of depression, anxiety, and stress (t-value 5.02 > 1.96). Conclusion: This study reflects that source of the problem factor has a positive influence on depression, anxiety, and stress while the self-esteem factor has a negative influence on depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate students.