The Epidemiology of Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Anger in Turkish High School Students

Abstract

Aims: Depression, anxiety, stress and outward anger expression are important global public health problems of today. These issues are also important in school health. Study Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive. Place and Duration of Study: Urban area, public high schools. Duration o f the study was 6 months Methodology: In this study which was based on self-reporting we wanted to evaluate the different dimensions of anger and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in a group of Turkish students in grades 9-12. Participation to the study was voluntarily and anonymously. Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics were collected by questionnaires. Depression-Anxiety and Stress Scale-42 (DASS-42) and Multi Dimensional Anger Scale (MDAS) were used. Results: Students had mild depression, anxiety and stress levels in general. Female students’ depression, anxiety and stress levels were found to be higher than male students. Female students reported more anger symptoms. Being belittled, transgressed against and criticized were found to be important anger eliciting situations. Among male students, aggressive behaviors were higher than females whereas calm and anxious behaviors were higher among female students. In terms of interpersonal anger passive-aggressive and inwards directed reactions were found to be higher among female students. There was no significant difference according to gender for being revengeful and being indifferent. Conclusion: Programs of anger management are needed together with those of reducing depression, anxiety and stress.