College Adjustment Among University Students: A Basis for Psychosocial Intervention

This study investigated the college adjustment of students, focusing on anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-esteem, interpersonal problems, family problems, academic problems, and career problems. A descriptive research design was employed, collecting data from 421 students using the College Adjustment Scale (CAS). The findings indicated that students generally exhibited “average” levels of adjustment problems in the areas of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-esteem, interpersonal problems, family problems, and career problems. however, “below average” levels were observed in the areas of substance abuse and academic problems, suggesting that while students do experience adjustment difficulties, these issues are within a normal range. Significant differences were found in substance abuse and academic problems when respondents were grouped by sex and gender preferences. Significant differences in self-esteem and career problems emerged when respondents were grouped by socio-economic status. In terms of parents’ occupations, a significant difference in substance abuse levels was observed when their father’s occupation grouped respondents. No significant differences were found in any areas of college adjustment when respondents were grouped by their mother’s occupation and number of siblings. These findings underscore the nuanced ways demographic factors influence college adjustment, highlighting areas for targeted interventions to support students’ mental health and academic success.