Loneliness and Psychological Distress among Female Students in India: Mediating Role of Coping Style, Social Support and Resilience

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 78, 537 - 554, 20.09.2025

Anuradha Sathiyaseelan , Sathiyaseelan Balasundaram , Bishal Patangia , Roseline Florence Gomes

https://doi.org/10.17066/tpdrd.1534857

Abstract

Loneliness and psychological distress are major psychological health issues among the student community because of social and continuously increasing academic pressure. Female students are vulnerable to these challenges, with a risk of severe mental health issues. In the present study, we aimed to examine loneliness and psychological distress among female students in India, assessing how social support, coping style, and resilience mediate these effects. Through a web-based survey, 687 responses were collected from female students across various educational institutions, including high school (n=292) and college/university (n=395) students in India. Standardized tools were used to gather data on resilience, psychological distress, coping styles, social support, and loneliness. The findings revealed moderate levels of resilience and psychological distress among the participants. The coping style scores indicated a general trend toward effective coping mechanisms. A higher level of social support was observed than a moderate level of loneliness. While coping style had a minimal mediating influence, resilience and social support were significant mediators of the association between loneliness and psychological distress. This study highlights the psychological experiences of female students in India and makes a significant contribution by providing empirical evidence on the unique roles of protective factors such as resilience and social support against psychological distress and loneliness. These findings are crucial in promoting a targeted mental health framework and support systems for students in similar contexts, reinforcing the need for a holistic approach to student mental health.

Keywords

Loneliness , Psychological Distress , Resilience , Social Support , Student

Ethical Statement

The study was approved by under the ID: CU: RCEC/108/03/23 Institutional Review Board/Research Conduct and Ethical Committee of CHRIST (Deemed to be University) in accordance to ethical guidelines.

Supporting Institution

NA

Project Number

NA

Thanks

The authors would also like to thank all the participants who supported the study by being a part of it.

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