Exploring the Causes of Psychological Distress among University Students

Mohd Zulkifli Abdullah, Aziz Jamal, Mas Anom Abdul Rashid, Michelle Lipa and Geng Yao
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Mohd Zulkifli Abdullah: Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA Puncak Alam, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Aziz Jamal: Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA Puncak Alam, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Mas Anom Abdul Rashid: Institute of Graduate Studies, Kolej Universiti Poly-Tech MARA, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Michelle Lipa: FHospital Pantai Klang, 41200 Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
Geng Yao: Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004 Ningxia, China

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 1, 2424-2437

Abstract: Psychological struggles among university students are complex, with various factors intertwining to impact their well-being. These factors encompass pressures, financial strains, social hurdles, adjustment challenges, and a lack of support systems. The psychological challenges faced by university students can manifest in ways such as anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, and burnout. A prior study revealed that around one-third of university students encounter distress during their academic pursuits. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the factors linked to the distress caused by the shift in learning methods during post-COVID periods among university students in Malaysia. A convenience sampling survey collected data from 346 UiTM students at the Puncak Alam campus within 3 months, starting from April to June 2023, via an online survey. The survey tool utilised in this research was adapted from established questionnaires, and data analysis was conducted using STATA software. According to the results of the regression analysis, both academic workload and changes in learning methods play roles in influencing students’ levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Social involvement significantly impacts depression and anxiety levels, while effective communication only affects depression among respondents. The key takeaway from these findings is that alterations in learning approaches among university students influence their experience of distress, specifically depression and anxiety. Understanding how workload affects students, the factors that affect successful management, and the effects on educational policies and practices is important for universities to create safe learning environments that help students do well in their study and grow as individuals.

Date: 2025
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