A study of the impact of psychiatric distress on coping responses and the levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among undergraduate nursing students

Background: Entering medical professional courses is stressful to students in general and more so in a profession like nursing. Identifying the most effective methods of coping strategies with psychiatric distress may help to reduce mental health issues. This study was conducted to estimate the levels of psychiatric distress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, and their correlation with coping responses among undergraduate nursing students. Methodology and Participants: Sixty-eight 1st-year BSC nursing students participated in the study. The students were surveyed online using Google Forms. Participants had to fill up five scales: General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28); Coping response inventory; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); and Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (ASIQ). Results: Thirty-nine students (57.35%) were found to be facing psychiatric distress (GHQ-28 Score >4). Sixteen (23.5%) had moderate depression and 13 (19.1%) had severe depression scores. Psychiatric distress scores were positively correlated with Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Ideation scores. A positive correlation was also found between suicidal ideation and anxiety and depression. A significant positive correlation was found between emotional discharge and acceptance/resignation (coping strategies) and GHQ, STAI, BDI, and ASIQ Scores. Positive reappraisal (PR), seeking guidance and support (SG), and problem-solving were the three coping strategies that had negative correlations with psychiatric distress, state anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Psychiatric distress increased depression levels, anxiety as well as suicidal ideation. Emotional discharge was identified as the most commonly used coping response. PR, SG, and problem-solving were the three most effective coping strategies which helped in reducing perceived stress levels.