Effects of Differential Stress and Mental Health on Substance Use among College Students

Authors

  • Avdi Avdija Indiana State University School of Criminology & Security Studies 620 Chestnut Street Terre Haute, IN 47809 United States, United States https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4681-6593
  • Arif Akgul Old Dominion University Sociology & Criminal Justice 6000 Batten Arts & Letters Bldg. Norfolk, VA 23529, United States https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7397-9000

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.8113232026

Keywords:

substance use, college stress, anxiety, depression

Abstract

Substance use among college students is often seen as a coping mechanism for some students who are prone to extreme stress, depression, or anxiety. Multiple forms of stress become the leading factors that push students toward substance use. This study tests the effects of college stressors, depression, and anxiety on substance use among college students. The results are based on the data that were collected using a 101-item questionnaire administered to 302 college students at a public university in the Midwest U.S.A. Using Logistic Regression as the primary data analysis technique, the findings of this study show that social stressors and time management stressors are the most significant predictors of substance use among college students. On the other hand, students scored very low on both depression and anxiety scales. These findings suggest that, in this context, depression and anxiety are not strong predictors of substance use among college students.

Author Biographies

Avdi Avdija, Indiana State University School of Criminology & Security Studies 620 Chestnut Street Terre Haute, IN 47809 United States

Dr. Avdija is a Professor of criminology and security studies, in the School of Criminology & Security Studies.

Arif Akgul, Old Dominion University Sociology & Criminal Justice 6000 Batten Arts & Letters Bldg. Norfolk, VA 23529

Dr. Arif Akgul is an Associate Professor in teh department of Sociology & Criminal Justice at the Old Dominion University.

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2026-01-02

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Avdija, A., & Akgul, A. (2026). Effects of Differential Stress and Mental Health on Substance Use among College Students. Journal of Psychological Perspective, 8(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.8113232026

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