Adjustment disorder in help-seeking college students: prevalence, predictors, associations with academic adjustment

<b>Objective:</b> Previous studies have indicated that problems with academic adjustment are common among university students. Little is known, however, about adjustment disorder (AjD) among students. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of AjD among help-seeking students, as well as the mediators between academic adjustment and AjD. <b>Participants:</b> A total of 313 students looking for help took part in this cross-sectional study. <b>Methods:</b> Participants completed questionnaires assessing symptoms of AjD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, academic adjustment, cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance and mindfulness. <b>Results:</b> The prevalence of probable AjD was at the level of 60.7%. Experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion were significant predictors of AjD. These variables, as well as mindfulness, were also mediators between academic adjustment and AjD. <b>Conclusions:</b> The prevalence of AjD in the studied group of help-seeking students was relatively high. It is, therefore, important to develop therapeutic interventions to support students, that would target the mechanisms underlying vulnerability to AjD.