Cumulative Stress and Mental Health in Young Adults

Impact of Cumulative Stress on Mental Health in Young Adults

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the needs of young adults - "policrisis generation", exposed to cumulative stress during 2020-2023, in terms of quality of mental health, the psychosocial resources, protective factors for cumulative stress effect, and the standards for effective prevention. The main questions to be answered are:

• How does cumulative stress affect young adults?
• Is there a specific cumulative stress syndrome that can be described?
• What are the risk and the protective factors for cumulative stress?
• How does the "policrisis generation" deal with the cumulative stress they have been exposed to? Participants will complete psychological questionnaires

Background: Epidemiological data are not sufficient to determine the mental health outcomes of exposure to cumulative stress of 2020-2023. Holistic knowledge of risk and protective factors, pathways leading to symptoms (not yet observed), and stress management strategies for the generation living under cumulative stress conditions (pandemic, war, refugee migration, economic crisis) is needed.

Participants: 400 young adults, recruited among university students.

Research methodology: Analysis of data collected by screening questionnaires, psychological scales, and questionnaires, related to mental health conditions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 19 and 25 years
• Standard educational opportunities
• Attending the university course cycle

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age below 19
• Intellectual disability
• Inability to self-complete the research questionnaires