Perceived Stress, Quality of Life, and Youth Problems among Undergraduate Students in Nanded District (Maharashtra): A Correlational Study

Abstract

Youth mental health is shaped by academic demands, family expectations, and peer-based social comparison, which can influence both well-being and adjustment. The present study examined the relationships among perceived stress, quality of life, and youth problems among undergraduate students in Nanded District, Maharashtra. A cross-sectional correlational research design was used. The sample comprised 120 students (60 male, 60 female), aged 16–20 years, selected through stratified sampling by gender. Measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) with reverse scoring for items 4, 5, 7, and 8 (0=4, 1=3, 2=2, 3=1, 4=0) and total score interpretation for low, moderate, and high stress categories (0–13, 14–26, 27–40) the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS–SSNN) (42 items; 3-point scoring with separate rules for positive and negative statements; interpretation supported through z-score norms) and the Youth Problem Inventory (YPI–V) (80 statements; intended for ages 16–20; self-administered; domain-based problem screening; maximum total score 160). Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t tests, and Pearson correlations were used. Based on the summary results, higher stress was associated with lower quality of life and greater youth problems. The findings support the need for college-based counselling, stress-management training, and early screening for youth adjustment difficulties.