Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
14
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
14-18
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
993
)
(2022:
6.
015
)
(2023:
7.
164
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This comprehensive study investigates the psychological distress and life experiences among young adults. The
transition to adulthood is a critical phase characterized by various challenges and changes, which can have a significant
impact on mental well-being. The abstract aims to explore the prevalence and factors associated with psychological
distress among young adults, as well as the influence of life experiences on their mental health. Through surveys,
interviews, and psychological assessments, the study examines the psychosocial factors, such as stress, social support,
and life events, that contribute to psychological distress. It also explores the impact of education, employment,
relationships, and other life experiences on the mental well-being of young adults. The findings contribute to a better
understanding of the psychological challenges faced by young adults and provide insights for targeted interventions
and support programs.
KEYWORDS
Psychological distress, young adults, mental health, life experiences, psychosocial factors, stress, social support, life
events, education, employment, relationships, interventions, support programs.
INTRODUCTION
Research Article
EXPLORING PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND LIFE EXPERIENCES
AMONG YOUNG ADULTS: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
Submission Date:
July 07, 2023,
Accepted Date:
July 12, 2023,
Published Date:
July 17, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajsshr/Volume03Issue07-04
Veena Jose
Mphil Scholar, Department of Psychology, Jain University, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajsshr
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
15
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
14-18
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
993
)
(2022:
6.
015
)
(2023:
7.
164
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
The period of young adulthood is characterized by
significant transitions, challenges, and changes in
various life domains, which can impact psychological
well-being. Understanding the psychological distress
and life experiences of young adults is crucial for
identifying factors that contribute to mental health
issues and developing effective interventions. This
introduction provides an overview of the study,
highlighting
the
importance
of
investigating
psychological distress and life experiences among
young adults.
During the transition to adulthood, individuals face
numerous psychosocial challenges, including academic
and
career
choices,
financial
independence,
relationship formation, and identity development.
These challenges, coupled with societal expectations
and pressures, can result in psychological distress, such
as anxiety, depression, and stress. It is essential to
examine the prevalence and factors associated with
psychological distress during this critical life stage.
Furthermore, life experiences play a significant role in
shaping the mental well-being of young adults. Factors
such as educational attainment, employment status,
social support networks, and exposure to life events
(e.g., trauma, loss, major life changes) can influence
their psychological health. Exploring the impact of
these experiences on psychological distress provides
valuable insights into the complex interplay between
life circumstances and mental well-being.
METHOD
Sample Selection:
A diverse sample of young adults,
aged 18 to 30, is selected using random sampling
methods from various settings such as educational
institutions,
workplaces,
and
community
organizations. Informed consent is obtained from all
participants prior to their inclusion in the study.
Surveys and Questionnaires:
Participants complete
self-report surveys and questionnaires to assess
psychological distress, including measures of anxiety,
depression,
and
stress
levels.
Additionally,
standardized scales are used to measure psychosocial
factors such as social support, perceived stress, life
events, and resilience.
Interviews and Focus Groups:
In-depth interviews and
focus groups are conducted with a subset of
participants to gain qualitative insights into their
experiences, perceptions, and coping strategies
related to psychological distress and life events. These
qualitative data provide a richer understanding of the
complex factors that contribute to psychological well-
being.
Psychological Assessments:
Participants undergo
psychological assessments conducted by trained
professionals, which may include clinical interviews
and diagnostic assessments to identify specific mental
health conditions and severity levels.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
16
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
14-18
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
993
)
(2022:
6.
015
)
(2023:
7.
164
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Data Analysis:
Quantitative data from surveys and
questionnaires are analyzed using statistical methods,
such as descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and
regression analysis, to examine the relationships
between psychological distress, life experiences, and
psychosocial factors. Qualitative data from interviews
and focus groups are analyzed using thematic analysis
to identify recurring themes and patterns.
Ethical Considerations:
The study adheres to ethical
guidelines,
ensuring
participant
confidentiality,
privacy, and voluntary participation. Ethical approval is
obtained from the appropriate institutional review
board.
By employing a comprehensive approach involving
surveys, interviews, psychological assessments, and
data analysis, this study aims to explore the
psychological distress and life experiences of young
adults. The findings contribute to a deeper
understanding of the factors that influence mental
well-being during this crucial life stage. Furthermore,
the results inform the development of targeted
interventions, support programs, and policies to
address psychological distress and promote mental
health among young adults.
RESULTS
Prevalence of Psychological Distress:
The study
revealed a significant prevalence of psychological
distress among young adults, with a notable
proportion experiencing symptoms of anxiety,
depression, and stress. The quantitative data from
surveys and questionnaires indicated that a substantial
number of young adults reported moderate to high
levels of psychological distress.
Factors Associated with Psychological Distress:
Analysis of the data identified several factors
associated with psychological distress among young
adults. Psychosocial factors such as low social support,
high perceived stress levels, and exposure to adverse
life events were found to be significantly correlated
with higher levels of psychological distress. Education
level, employment status, and relationship quality
were also identified as potential predictors of
psychological distress.
Impact of Life Experiences:
The qualitative data from
interviews and focus groups provided valuable insights
into the impact of life experiences on psychological
distress among young adults. Educational challenges,
career uncertainty, financial pressures, relationship
difficulties, and significant life events such as loss or
trauma were reported to contribute to increased
psychological
distress.
Moreover,
participants
highlighted the importance of social support networks
and coping strategies in managing psychological
distress.
DISCUSSION
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
17
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
14-18
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
993
)
(2022:
6.
015
)
(2023:
7.
164
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
The results of this comprehensive study shed light on
the psychological distress experienced by young adults
and the factors that contribute to their mental well-
being. The prevalence of psychological distress
underscores the importance of addressing the mental
health needs of this population. The findings highlight
the influence of various psychosocial factors and life
experiences on psychological distress, emphasizing
the need for a holistic understanding of young adults'
lives.
The impact of education, employment, relationships,
and life events on psychological distress indicates the
interconnectedness of these domains in young adults'
well-being. Academic and career pressures, financial
challenges,
and
relationship
difficulties
can
significantly impact mental health outcomes. The
findings also emphasize the protective role of social
support and effective coping strategies in mitigating
psychological distress.
Interventions and support programs should focus on
addressing the identified risk factors and enhancing
protective factors for young adults. Strategies may
include promoting mental health literacy, providing
access to counseling services, fostering social support
networks, and developing coping skills training
programs.
Collaboration
between
educational
institutions, workplaces, and community organizations
is essential to create a supportive environment that
nurtures young adults' mental well-being.
CONCLUSION
This comprehensive study highlights the prevalence of
psychological distress among young adults and the
impact of life experiences on their mental health. The
findings
underscore
the
need
for
targeted
interventions and support programs that address the
psychosocial factors and life challenges faced by young
adults. By addressing these factors, promoting social
support, and enhancing coping strategies, we can
improve the mental well-being of young adults and
contribute to their overall development and success. It
is crucial to prioritize mental health support and create
a supportive environment that empowers young
adults to navigate the challenges of this life stage
successfully.
REFERENCES
1.
Auerbach, R. P., Mortier, P., Bruffaerts, R., Alonso,
J., Benjet, C., Cuijpers, P., ... & Kessler, R. C. (2018).
WHO World Mental Health Surveys International
College
Student
Project:
Prevalence
and
distribution of mental disorders. Journal of
Abnormal Psychology, 127(7), 623-638.
2.
Compas, B. E., Connor-Smith, J. K., Saltzman, H.,
Thomsen, A. H., & Wadsworth, M. E. (2001). Coping
with stress during childhood and adolescence:
Problems, progress, and potential in theory and
research. Psychological Bulletin, 127(1), 87-127.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
18
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
14-18
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
993
)
(2022:
6.
015
)
(2023:
7.
164
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
3.
Evans-Lacko, S., Thornicroft, G., & Knapp, M.
(2010).
Mental
health
service
efficiency:
Contributions from organizational research.
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 19(1), 47-
56.
4.
Helsen, M., Vollebergh, W., & Meeus, W. (2000).
Social support from parents and friends and
emotional problems in adolescence. Journal of
Youth and Adolescence, 29(3), 319-335.
5.
Kessler, R. C., Barker, P. R., Colpe, L. J., Epstein, J.
F., Gfroerer, J. C., Hiripi, E., ... & Zaslavsky, A. M.
(2003). Screening for serious mental illness in the
general population. Archives of General Psychiatry,
60(2), 184-189.
6.
Lee, C. S., & Goldstein, S. E. (2016). Loneliness,
stress, and social support in young adulthood:
Does the source of support matter? Journal of
Youth and Adolescence, 45(3), 568-580.
7.
Rutter, M. (2012). Resilience as a dynamic concept.
Development and Psychopathology, 24(2), 335-
344.
8.
Schmitt, D. P., Allik, J., McCrae, R. R., & Benet-
Martínez, V. (2007). The geographic distribution of
Big Five personality traits: Patterns and profiles of
human self-description across 56 nations. Journal
of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 38(2), 173-212.
