Depression, perceived control, and life satisfaction in university students from Central-Eastern and Western Europe

Abstract

The poor health and psychological well-being of people in the former socialist states of Centeral-Eastern Europe are of serious concern and may be related to low perceived control. We compared depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and self-rated health in 3,571 male and female university students from 5 Western European countries and 4,793 students from 5 Central-Eastern European countries. Depression scores (short Beck Depression Inventory; Beck & Beck, 1972) were higher in Central-Eastern than Western European samples. The prevalence of low life satisfaction was also greater in Central-Eastern Europeans, but ratings of self-rated health did not differ. Ratings of perceived control were diminished, but sense of mastery and internal health locus of control were higher in Central-Eastern Europe. Depression and low life satisfaction were associated with low perceived control and mastery and with strong beliefs in the influence of chance over health. However, taking these factors into account did not explain the East-West difference in depressive symptoms and low life satisfaction.

Does Literacy Education Improve Symptoms of Depression and Self-efficacy in Individuals with Low Literacy and Depressive Symptoms? A Preliminary Investigation

“…2 Low self-efficacy is seen in both depression and limited literacy. Individuals who suffer from depression report poor self-efficacy, plus low selfesteem, feelings of worthlessness, an external locus of control, and experience guilt or shame over their limitations [3][4][5][6][7] -some of the very same characteristics reported by individuals with limited literacy. 8 -10 Indeed, depression and limited literacy often coexist.…”

Depression, Loneliness and Cognitive Distortion among Young Unwed Pregnant Women in Malaysia: Counseling Implications

“…This suggests that cognitive distortion in depression is associated with greater social phobia and more negative expectations of social interactions. Depression may cause low self-efficacy, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, an external locus of control, and experience guilt or shame over their limitations (Wardle et al, 2004;Beck, 2003). Hence, counselling should also focus on dealing with problems and issues related to distorted, negative and irrational thoughts.…”

“…A large number of researches have proven that individuals who suffer from depression reported poor self-efficacy, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, an external locus of control, and experience of guilt or shame over their limitations (Wardle et al, 2004;Beck, 2003). Elek and Grossman (2000) on the other hand pointed out that loneliness is related to depression.…”

Social Support, Body Image Perception and Depressive Symptoms, Among University Students in Nigeria, by Gender and Ethnicity

“…Other studies postulated that women in general are more prone to over report medical symptoms than men, [64,65]. Although, certain factors have been reported to increase stress and depression among university students, such as financial problemsand chronic ill health, [27,5], Consequently, there is a need for more research on students' depression, especially in a multi-ethnic nation like Nigeria.…”

“…However, there is a sharp contrast between income status among students in developing countries like Nigeria and those of developed countries. For instance, a study conducted among students from Spain and Germany, [65] found (72%) and (64%) of students respectively, reported their income to be always sufficient. In developed countries and in most western European countries, students especially university students receive financial aids, through government funding and bank loans which are not available for Nigerian students.…”