University Students’ States of Having Depressive Symptoms and Hopefulness About Getting Employed After Graduation

Authors : Belgin Oral, Arda Borlu, Seçkin Özsaydı

Pages : 7-14

View : 48 | Download : 105

Publication Date : 2024-04-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Introduction: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their levels of hope regarding employment after graduation among university students in Turkey, and the related factors of these. Methods: The research was conducted in 2018 at a state university in Turkey, involving 1,093 students from four different faculties: Dentistry, Architecture, Law, and Fine Arts. The dependent variables were the participants\' levels of hope regarding employment and their scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Independent variables included gender, age, faculty, economic status, health issues, smoking, alcohol consumption, academic achievement, and school satisfaction. Pearson chi-square test, t-test, and one-way ANOVA (with post hoc Tukey test) were used to evaluate relationships between dependent and independent variables. Findings: A significant portion of students in architecture and fine arts faculties reported experiencing depressive symptoms. Higher levels of depressive symptoms were observed among students who expressed no hope of finding employment after graduation. Inadequate financial support, dissatisfaction with body image, academic failure, and weak relationships with family and/or friends were associated with both job hopelessness and higher levels of depressive symptoms among university students. Interestingly, both the prevalence of job hopefulness and depressive symptoms were higher among first-year students compared to other academic levels. Conclusion: The study reveals the widespread prevalence of job hopelessness and depressive symptoms among university students in Turkey. Targeted interventions, including career planning support and orientation programs, especially in the first year, could be beneficial in improving the mental well-being and future expectations of university students.
Keywords : öğrenci, üniversite, iş bulma, umut, depresif semptomlar