Depression, Anxiety, Political Ideology & Social Desirability in College Students
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Psychology & Applied Beavioral Analysis
Minor
Sociology
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
2nd Student Major
Psychology
2nd Student Minor
Criminal Justice
3rd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
3rd Student Major
Psychology
3rd Student Minor
Social Work
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Gage Jordan
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Nearly half of the individuals who met a lifetime diagnosis for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) also met a lifetime diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD; Grant et al., 2005). Individuals within this sub-group of comorbid SAD and SUD are at higher risk for lifetime emotional, health, and social consequences (Grant et. al. 2005). Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and SUD are also frequently comorbid and tend to be more common among younger individuals, with evidence suggesting that these issues are also correlated with larger rates of disability and professional help-seeking and academic problems (Pedrelli et al., 2016). The purpose of this research project is to analyze the interrelationships between deviance (operationally defined as drinking and nicotine use) and common psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. We were also interested in investigating social desirability (i.e., a tendency to portray oneself in a positive light) as a potential moderator between deviance and depression and anxiety symptoms. We will also investigate the relationship between political ideology and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Data will be collected via an online survey through the SONA system at a moderately-sized Midwestern university. Regression and correlational analyses will be conducted to examine the following hypotheses: 1) Deviant behavior (drinking and nicotine use) will predict depression, such that those who engage in more deviant behavior will be more depressed 2) The relationship between depression and deviant behavior will be moderated by social desirability, such that low endorsement of social desirability will better explain the relationship between depression and deviant behavior and 3) The relationship between depression and political ideology will be mediated by deviant behavior.
Spring Scholars Week 2021 Event
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Depression, Anxiety, Political Ideology & Social Desirability in College Students
Nearly half of the individuals who met a lifetime diagnosis for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) also met a lifetime diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD; Grant et al., 2005). Individuals within this sub-group of comorbid SAD and SUD are at higher risk for lifetime emotional, health, and social consequences (Grant et. al. 2005). Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and SUD are also frequently comorbid and tend to be more common among younger individuals, with evidence suggesting that these issues are also correlated with larger rates of disability and professional help-seeking and academic problems (Pedrelli et al., 2016). The purpose of this research project is to analyze the interrelationships between deviance (operationally defined as drinking and nicotine use) and common psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. We were also interested in investigating social desirability (i.e., a tendency to portray oneself in a positive light) as a potential moderator between deviance and depression and anxiety symptoms. We will also investigate the relationship between political ideology and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Data will be collected via an online survey through the SONA system at a moderately-sized Midwestern university. Regression and correlational analyses will be conducted to examine the following hypotheses: 1) Deviant behavior (drinking and nicotine use) will predict depression, such that those who engage in more deviant behavior will be more depressed 2) The relationship between depression and deviant behavior will be moderated by social desirability, such that low endorsement of social desirability will better explain the relationship between depression and deviant behavior and 3) The relationship between depression and political ideology will be mediated by deviant behavior.