A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS, SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND MENTAL HEALTH IN MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCE STUDENTS

Abstract

The current study was planned to investigate the intricate relationship among the social connectedness, social support and mental health as well as to compare the medical and social science students. A total N=296 students with the age range of 17 to 26 (M_age=20.17; SD= 1.57) with the equal number of medical and social science students (medical students=148, Social science students= 148) were analyzed. The data was collected by using demographic information sheet along with social connectedness scale (Lee & Robin, 1995), Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (Zimet et al, 1988) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). Data was analyzed by using SPSS (V25). The result of the study indicated that there is significant negative relationship of social connectedness and social support along with mental health (depression, anxiety and stress). The result also indicated that the social connectedness and social support are the significant predictor of mental health (depression, anxiety, stress). Furthermore, study revealed the significant difference of social connectedness, social support and mental health in medical and social science students. The implication of study is discussed below.