Depression, anger, and coping strategies among students in Polish medical faculties

Introduction and objective: Students are a group particularly exposed to psychological stress. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and anger issues among students and establish the protective value of coping strategies − specifically, whether they can reduce the level of perceived stress. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of Polish medical faculties using an online questionnaire. The risk of depression was assessed using the validated Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), anger was measured with the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), and coping strategies were evaluated with the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE). Results: The study included 329 participants. The average BDI score equalled 13.84, with higher levels among females. A total of 165 students (49.6%) had a score above the threshold for an increased risk of depression, while 32 (9.63%) met the criteria for severe symptoms. In case of anger, the mean STAXI score was 24.89. There was a statistically significant correlation between STAXI and BDI scores. In terms of coping mechanisms, a clear advantage of approach strategies was observed (65.36%). In multiple regression analyses, coping strategies did not influence either STAXI or BDI outcomes. Conclusions: The high level of depression among the surveyed students is noteworthy, with over 50% scoring above the cut-off point for an increased risk of a depressive episode. The advantage of approach strategies is also interesting, especially in terms of planning strategies and positive reframing. Unfortunately, in the analysed population, coping strategies did not constitute a significant protective factor in relation to the studied conditions.