A Comparison of Mental Well-being among Female Undergraduates in Sri Lanka based on Relationship Status

The prevalence of depression, stress, and anxiety symptoms among Sri Lankan undergraduates has increased over the years, especially among females. However, there is limited research on the impact of romantic relationships on these symptoms as well as their quality of life. This study aims to compare the difference in levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life of female Sri Lankan undergraduates based on their relationship status. A random sample of 295 female undergraduates (18-29 years) purposively selected from Sri Lankan universities, which consist of 152 having no relationship (‘single’) and 143 having romantic relationship (‘relationship’) was taken for this study. An online survey that included a demographic questionnaire, the Sinhala translated version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life – BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) was utilized to obtain the necessary information. Results showed that there is a strong positive multicollinearity among depression, anxiety, and stress in female undergraduates. There are no significant differences in the mean score of anxiety and stress between the two groups even at the 10% level, but the mean score of depression of the single group (13.16) is significantly higher than that of the relationship group (10.74) at 10% level. Positive significant correlations were also found among six pairs within the four variables: physical, psychological, social relationships and environment in QoL among female undergraduates irrespective of the type of groups. The mean score for social relationship in ‘relationship’ group (63.69) is significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of ‘single’ group (50.05). This study reveals the intricate nature of relationships and mental health and highlights the need for investigations that consider different cultures.