Depression, anxiety, and psychological resilience among high school graduates – the role of type D personality

Introduction:
Scientific research indicates a high prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders among young people, which may directly affect the level of their functioning. The aim of the study was to assess the mental condition of young adults in terms of their depressiveness, anxiety, and psychological resiliency, as well as to assess the intensity of type D stress personality traits among high school graduates of Polish schools.

Material and methods:
120 high school graduates of Polish secondary schools participated in the study. The following psychological scales were used in the research: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Polish Scale to Measure Resiliency (SPP-18), and the Type D Scale (DS14).

Results:
It was found that in the group of high school graduates from 50% to 70.8% struggle with anxiety symptoms, and from 20.8% to 40.8% of respondents struggle with depressive symptoms. Higher levels of anxiety and depression were associated with lower levels of mental resiliency. More than half of high school graduates showed type D stress personality traits. Women more often experienced depressive and anxiety symptoms. Moreover, they had lower resiliency and more often showed type D stress personality traits.

Conclusions:
The results highlight the seriousness of the problem of the prevalence and intensity of depression and anxiety symptoms among young graduates. They also broaden the knowledge of resiliency and type D personality among the discussed age group. Research can contribute to the improvement of preventive programs aimed at strengthening the mental condition of adolescents and young adults.