Sources of stress and coping in American college students who have been diagnosed with depression

The study aims to explore the sources of stress in American college students who had been treated for depression and to discern their coping mechanisms.

A phenomenological approach using Seidman's guide to in-depth qualitative interviews using a three-part approach was used in the study.

Online in-depth interviews utilizing e-mail with asynchronous communication were used.

Sources of stress included roommate issues, academic problems, financial and career concerns, and pressure from family. Exercise, talking to friends, self-talk, deep breathing, journaling, marijuana use, and listening to music were common coping mechanisms.

College students who have been treated for depression are under increasing stress today from a variety of sources. Nonmedical methods of coping were often cited as more effective than medication therapy.