Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part C (2025)

This study aims to examine depression and related psychological factors among undergraduate students at A. S. College, Bikramganj, focusing on gender differences. A total of 800 students (400 males and 400 females) participated, completing a structured questionnaire adapted from validated scales including the Beck Depression Inventory and additional measures of anxiety, academic and social stress, lifestyle, and coping support. Results revealed that female students exhibited significantly higher mean scores across all domains compared to male students, indicating greater psychological distress.
The pie chart analysis for female students showed that depression symptoms accounted for the largest share (23.4%) of their mental health burden, closely followed by anxiety/stress and coping/support, each contributing 20.8%. Academic/social pressures and lifestyle factors also played notable roles, representing 18.2% and 16.9% respectively. For male students, depression accounted for 23.8%, coping/support for 22.2%, anxiety/stress for 19%, academic/social 18.3%, and lifestyle 16.7%. Independent t-tests confirmed these gender differences were statistically significant with very low p-values (p < 0.05).
These findings are consistent with prior research highlighting that female students are more prone to depression and anxiety than males, influenced by a complex interplay of biological and socio-cultural factors. The significant contribution of coping and support mechanisms underscores the importance of enhancing mental health resources and social support systems within educational institutions. The data also point to the impact of academic and lifestyle stressors, suggesting a need for holistic interventions that address multiple facets of student well-being.