Youth Unemployment and Depression: A Socio-Psychological Investigation in Chapra Town

Youth unemployment is a pressing socio-economic and psychological challenge in India, with small towns often bearing a disproportionate burden. The present study entitled “Youth Unemployment and Depression: A Socio-Psychological Investigation in Chapra Town” aimed to examine the relationship between unemployment, psychological distress, coping strategies, stigma perception, and social support among young individuals. A sample of 145 unemployed youth aged 18–30 years was selected through random sampling. Data were collected using in-person and online interviews with standardized instruments, including the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Coping Strategies Inventory, and stigma and social support scales. Descriptive statistics (mean, SD, frequency, percentage) were computed to summarize demographic and psychological variables. Independent samples t-tests were performed to compare psychological distress and coping between groups (male vs. female; urban vs. rural). Results indicated moderate levels of depression (M = 18.2, SD = 9.8) and high stigma perception (M = 55.8, SD = 13.7), with relatively low social support (M = 42.3, SD = 15.9). Male participants reported higher distress levels than females, though differences were not statistically significant. In contrast, urban participants demonstrated significantly greater problem-focused coping than rural youth (p < 0.05), suggesting the critical role of structural resources in shaping resilience. The findings underscore the urgent need for clinical psychological support, stigma-reduction strategies, and policy interventions that integrate mental health care with employment and social welfare programs.