Effect Of Psychological Distress On Psychosocial Adjustment Among First-Year Students In Rivers State University

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of psychological distress on psychosocial adjustment of first-year students at Rivers State University. A sample of 243 students participated in the research, providing data through surveys and assessments. The findings revealed that higher levels of psychological distress were associated with lower psychosocial adjustment, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health concerns for overall well-being. Practical recommendations were provided, including the implementation of mental health awareness campaigns, and gender-inclusive support initiatives. The study contributes to knowledge by advancing our understanding of psychosocial adjustment in higher education and offering actionable insights for universities to enhance the well-being of their first-year students. The inclusion of a holistic assessment method during the admission process was proposed as a novel approach to improve early identification of at-risk students and tailor support strategies effectively.