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Negative affect among undergraduates: Why are higher levels reported by <scp>A</scp>sian students?
Journal
Asia-Pacific Psychiatry
ISSN
1758-5864
Date Issued
2012-04-23
Author(s)
DOI
10.1111/j.1758-5872.2012.00193.x
Abstract
Introduction
The higher level of negative affect reported by Asian undergraduates was investigated in relation to a range of demographic and other factors.
Methods
A survey of 279 Chinese undergraduates in Macau measured negative affect using the Chinese version of the short form of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).
Results
High levels of negative affect among Asian respondents were confirmed. No significant difference related to gender, year of study and origin (local to Macau or from Mainland China) was evident. However, living circumstances, difficulties in making friends, language issues, financial concerns and perceived lack of parental support were identified as exerting a significant influence on levels of negative affect.
Discussion
These results indicate a cross-cultural difference in levels of negative affect with clinical implications.
The higher level of negative affect reported by Asian undergraduates was investigated in relation to a range of demographic and other factors.
Methods
A survey of 279 Chinese undergraduates in Macau measured negative affect using the Chinese version of the short form of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).
Results
High levels of negative affect among Asian respondents were confirmed. No significant difference related to gender, year of study and origin (local to Macau or from Mainland China) was evident. However, living circumstances, difficulties in making friends, language issues, financial concerns and perceived lack of parental support were identified as exerting a significant influence on levels of negative affect.
Discussion
These results indicate a cross-cultural difference in levels of negative affect with clinical implications.