Depression, Anxiety, and Stress of Criminology Students during Distance Learning: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Ariel Jay G. Gabuya, Jessa D. Layal, Andrianvincent Bam-b B. Angeles, and Christopher D. De Castro Jr.

Department of Criminal Justice Education University of Mindanao- Bansalan College Bansalan, Davao del Sur, Philippines

*Corresponding author: gabuyaarieljay@gmail.com 

Abstract

This study determined the level of depression, anxiety, and stress of the Criminology students from first to the third year of UM Bansalan College during distance learning. This study used cross-sectional survey as research design. Two hundred sixteen (216) Filipino Criminology students, determined using stratified random sampling, responded to the surveys. Frequency, percentage, t-Test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used as statistical tools. Researchers adapted the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale by Loviband and Lovibond (1995). Results revealed that there were 160 males and 56 females whose ages were classified into three groups: 18-20, 21-23, and 24-26, in which the majority belonged to the first year level and were single. Their primary ethnicity is Bisaya, and most are Christians, while their monthly family income ranged from Php5000-Php25,000. Also, findings revealed that the students' depression, anxiety, and stress during distance learning were normal. Analyzing the level of the three scales, when compared according to the demographic profile, shows that male students have significantly higher stress levels than the females. Also, males experienced mild to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety as compared to their female counterparts. As to the age, data showed no significant difference in the stress level among different age groups, but 18-20 year-old students experienced significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms compared to other age groups. In terms of year level, first-year students have high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to other year levels. Further, there was no significant difference in the level of depression, anxiety, and stress when analyzed according to civil status and ethnicity. Still, there was a significant difference in the stress level between Christian students and Islam and other religions. As to family monthly income, there are significant differences in the level of depression, anxiety, and stress of students, signifying that those with an average family monthly income are more prone to depression,

anxiety, and stress. Practical recommendations are presented in this study. 

Keywords

anxiety, criminology students, cross-sectional survey, depression, distance learning, stress.

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