Abstract:
Depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduates have become a growing global
concern, significantly affecting academic performance and overall well-being.
Although extensive international research exists, few studies have explored this
problem within the Sri Lankan context. Accordingly, this study intended to identify
the factors that affect depression, anxiety, and stress among management
undergraduates, with a special reference to Sri Lankan state universities. The study
employed four independent variables: academic pressure, financial difficulties, social
media addiction, and drug abuse. The dependent variable was identified as the level
of depression, anxiety, and stress reported by undergraduates. Utilising the
quantitative methodology, data were collected through a structured 47-item
questionnaire administered to a sample of 200 undergraduates from two urban and
two rural state universities: Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Wayamba University
of Sri Lanka, University of Colombo, and University of Kelaniya. The measurement
scales demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.88 to
0.94) and strong validity, confirming the robustness of the constructs. Statistical
analyses, including descriptive and inferential statistics, were performed using SPSS
25 version. According to the Pearson correlation analysis, there were significant
positive relationships between academic pressure, financial difficulties, and social
media addiction with depression, anxiety, and stress. Regression analysis revealed
that the independent factors collectively accounted for 56.1% of the variance in
depression, anxiety, and stress. Academic pressure (β=1.184, p<0.01), financial
difficulties (β=0.671, p<0.01), and social media addiction (β=0.673, p<0.01) showed
positive relationships with depression, anxiety, and stress, while drug abuse showed
a negative relationship. The study recommends strengthening mental health
initiatives and incorporating support strategies to promote student well-being
