The Unique Associations of Academic Experiences With Depressive Symptoms in Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

Research has shown that university students are at increased risk of developing depression and related symptoms. The goal of the present study was to examine whether academic experiences relate to depressive symptoms in emerging adults, over and above a set of established depression risk factors. Participants (N = 903), ages 18–25 years, completed a series of questionnaires about risk factors for depression, academic experiences, and depressive symptoms. Results of a hierarchical multiple regression model showed that features of the academic experience were associated with depressive symptoms, over and above the effects of established risk factors. In particular, perceived academic stress, disengagement from studies, and loneliness at university were significant predictors of depressive symptoms. This research highlights the role of subjective academic experiences as potential risk factors for depressive symptoms in university students.