Insufficient Coping Behavior under Chronic Stress
Epidemiological data indicate that 75% of subjects suffering from major
psychiatric disorders or with a previous history of psychiatric disorders have
had their onset of the illness between 17 and 24 years of age. This is exactly
the time when college and university students receive their higher education,
thereby experiencing significant levels of chronic stress over several years.
Chronic stress can lead to serious health problems and can affect nearly every
system of the human body. Indeed, for a certain percentage of the general population,
chronic stress raises blood pressure, increases the risk of heart attack and stroke,
suppresses the immune system, and increases the vulnerability to psychiatric
disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia.
Psychological Distress among College Students
Results from general health surveys of college students indicate (1) 50% of students
report psychological distress, compared to only 11% of age-matched controls of the
general population; and (2) 30% of students say that chronic stress significantly affects
their academic performance. Among those reporting reduced academic performance, the
stress-induced burden appeared to be closely related to a pronounced lack of coping
skills.
Mental Health Problems under Chronic Stress
50% of students with insufficient coping skills show elevated alcohol consumption,
12% report suicidal thoughts, and 11% have already been treated for mental health problems.
As to physical activity, nearly half of these students do not meet the "Recommendation
for Adults" of the American Heart Association regarding moderate-intensity cardio
or aerobic exercise. Surveys among college students also suggest that (1) 35-50% of
premature drop-outs may be linked to insufficient coping skills; and (2) 85% of
students who receive a diagnosis of major psychiatric disorder withdraw from
college prior to completion of their education.
Empirical Study with 2,517 Freshman Students
The «Institute for Response-Genetics (IFRG)», University of Zurich (Switzerland),
has carried out a 6-center study with 2,517 college/university students from the United States,
Europe, and Southamerica in order to develop standardized means for the "early" identification
of freshman students with insufficient coping skills under chronic stress and at risk for
stress-related health problems. Data analsyses revealed 2 scales, "activity" and "defeatism",
that allow one to quantify coping behavior in a socio-culturally independent way. Most notably,
these scales were closely related to impaired physical and mental health: the higher a persons
defeatism score the higher his/her impairment in terms of physical and mental health or
psychosomatic disturbances, combined with a higher consumption of illegal drugs and
lack of physical activity [learn more ...].