Perceived Stress and Coping as Predictors of Hopelessness and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications on Social Policies

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, hopelessness and psychological distress have been observed globally. The present study investigates the predictive factors of hopelessness and psychological distress among youth, specifically university students. It was hypothesised that perceived stress and coping predict this population's hopelessness and psychological distress. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using purposive sampling via social media among 113 undergraduate students in Malaysian universities who were active and registered for a minimum of one semester in 2020 and without any psychological disorder diagnosis by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. The results manifest that perceived stress and coping predict hopelessness and social dysfunction, not anxiety/depression. These findings augment past literature that has asserted that the COVID-19 pandemic has harmed university students' psychological health. The study can assist in developing and improving programmes and interventions consisting of coping and stress management elements to reduce hopelessness and psychological distress among youth, consistent with Malaysia's National Youth Development Policy and Mental Health Policy.