Gender Differences on Perceived Social Support and Psychological Distress among University Students

Authors

  • Razi Sultan Siddiqui
  • Dr. Anjum Ara Jahangir
  • Dr. Atif Hassan

Keywords:

Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Social Support

Abstract

Understanding the importance of perceived social support is becoming an important issue in fast moving life for students. The study is conducted to evaluate the gender differences on the variables of perceived social support and psychological distress among university students. Gender difference of perceived social support and psychological distress among university students was hypothesized for current study. Sample comprised of 562 volunteer subjects (male 273 and female 289) between age ranged from 15 to 30 years. DASS-21 and MPSS scales were used to measure the variables. Descriptive statistics t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were computed with the help of SPSS version 22. No significance difference of perceived social support (-3.095; p=.002) found among male (Mean=4.831) and female (Mean=5.74) university students. Also no significant gender difference found on the variable of psychological distress t(560)=-1.308; P=.191 among male (Mean=24.824) and female (Mean=23.633) university students. The results further indicates significant negative correlation (r=-.149) between measures of psychological distress and perceived social support. However, male depression score (Mean=8.227) found higher than female (Mean=7.491) counterparts with t(560)=1.980; p=.048). Opinion can be established that female receive higher social support from significant others, friends and family thus having lesser stress, anxiety and depression as compare to male students.

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Published

2021-09-30