Psychological Distress and Life Experiences among Young Adults

The aim of the study was to identify the difference between mild, moderate and severely psychologically distressed (depression, anxiety, stress) in life experiences. It also aimed at understanding the gender differences in life experiences. The study was conducted under II phases; under phase I, 30 men and 30 women were screened with mild, moderate and severe psychological distress using Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) (Lovibond S. H and Lovibond P.F, 1995). Under phase II, Scale of Positive and Negative Life Experiences (SPANE) (Ed Diener,2009) was measured to understand the life experiences among adults. Results shows that mild, moderate and severely depressed, anxious and stressed differ significantly on life experiences. Also indicating that there was no significant gender difference in life experience and psychological distress.