Somatization and Depression Among University Students: Antecedents and Antidotes

This exploratory research aims to shed light on the sources and consequences of stress of university students of a private sector university of Peshawar, Pakistan. Studies on stress reveal that the stressors though vary in different environments but ultimately lead to physical (somatic) ill-health and even depression. The students in educational institutions increasingly face many stressors which may have negative impact on their physical and psychological health. A sample of 100 students from a private sector university of Peshawar filled a structured questionnaire. Results revealed that most of our independent variables i.e. family problems, financial problems, work overload and vulnerability to terrorism have a significant positive relationship with somatic stress & depression. However, teachers' support did not reveal any significant relationship with both our dependent variables i.e. somatic stress & depression. Stress management strategies at primary, secondary and tertiary level have been recommended to help university students in coping with the harmful effects of stress.