The Impact of Psychological Distress on Life Satisfaction among Female Young Adults

Abstract

Psychological distress refers to a state of emotional suffering characterised by symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress, often arising from challenging life circumstances. In young adults, prolonged psychological distress can lead to difficulties in daily functioning, strained relationships, and a diminished sense of purpose. Life satisfaction is a subjective measure of how content and fulfilled an individual feels with various aspects of their life, including personal achievements, relationships, and overall well-being. Psychological distress in female young adults can significantly impact their mental health, leading to decreased life satisfaction and challenges in personal and academic achievements. The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between Psychological Distress and Life Satisfaction in female young adults. Although extensive research has been conducted on psychological distress and life satisfaction, the rapidly evolving social dynamics, fueled by advancements in technology and the pervasive influence of social media, create a critical need to explore how these factors uniquely affect the mental well-being of female young adults in today’s world. Through convenient sampling, a total sample of 100 female participants in the age group of 19-40 years was considered for the study. Also, the participants were divided on the basis of birth order (50 first borns and 50 last borns). A quantitative approach with correlation design is used to understand the relationship between Psychological Distress (K10) and Life Satisfaction (SWLS). The results show that there is a significant negative correlation between Psychological Distress and Life Satisfaction.  However, it is found that there is no significant difference in Psychological Distress and Life Satisfaction on the basis of birth order.