Prevalence of Depression and Its Effect on Violent and Nonviolent Behavior Among Students Using the Beck Depression Inventory

Abstract Background: India, as a developing nation with one of the world's largest populations, faces escalating mental health challenges, particularly depression among youth populations. Mental illness, especially depression, represents an underrecognized contributor to both violent and nonviolent behavioral manifestations, warranting systematic investigation within educational contexts. Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of depression among students in Telangana using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and examined its association with demographic factors. The research specifically focused on understanding how family dynamics, socioeconomic status, mental health history, and psychosocial stressors influence behavioral outcomes among university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 582 students aged 17-23 years using a structured questionnaire incorporating the validated Beck Depression Inventory. Data were collected through online surveys and analyzed using SPSS software. Chi-square tests assessed associations between depression severity categories and demographic variables. Results: The sample comprised 195 males (33.5%) and 387 females (66.5%). Moderate depression emerged as the most prevalent form across all age groups. Students aged 19-20 years demonstrated the highest rates of moderate to severe depression. Urban students constituted the largest demographic group (47.2%), with 83.5% belonging to nuclear family structures. Depression severity exhibited significant age-related variations, with peak scores observed at ages 17, 19, and 22 years. Conclusion: Depression prevalence among students varies significantly by age and demographic characteristics. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted mental health interventions within educational institutions to address underlying psychological distress and prevent potential behavioral consequences associated with untreated depression.