Mental health during societal crisis: anxiety, depression, and stress among students at the Arab American University

Abstract

Inroduction This study examined the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate students at the Arab American University in Palestine. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-42). The sample comprised 384 undergraduate students from different academic disciplines. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U tests, Kruskal–Wallis H tests, and post-hoc pairwise comparisons where appropriate. Results A substantial proportion of students were classified within the extremely severe depression category (67.45%), severe anxiety category (33.33%), and severe stress category (47.92%). A statistically significant gender difference was found in depression scores, U = 15,515.00, p = 0.009, with male students showing higher mean ranks than female students. Depression scores also differed significantly across GPA categories, H(3) = 8.21, p = 0.042. Post-hoc comparisons showed a significant difference between students with GPAs of 2.33–2.99 and 3.67–4.00. No statistically significant differences were found for anxiety or stress according to gender, faculty type, or GPA category. Discussion The findings indicate a substantial burden of psychological distress within the study sample. Although causal factors were not investigated, the results support further research examining the influence of ongoing socio-political conditions and highlight the importance of appropriate university-based mental health support.