Psykosomatiska besvär i relation till socialt stöd bland högskolestudenter : En kvantitativ studie utifrån ett folkhälsovetenskapligt perspektiv

Sammanfattning: Background: Several international studies have shown that college students report mental illness such as psychosomatic symptoms. At the same time, there are differences among college students' perceived social support. Aim: The present study is intended to study psychosomatic symptoms and social support among college students, as well as whether there are any gender differences or correlations regarding psychosomatic symptoms and social support. Method: A quantitative research design was used to study psychosomatic symptoms and social support. The present study applied a cross-sectional design and data were collected through a survey. The sample consisted of 132 college students from Mälardalen University. Results: College students report to a greater extent that they have psychosomatic symptoms such as irritation or being in a bad mood, headache, feeling down, feeling nervous and having difficulty to sleep. Psychosomatic symptoms are more common among women than among men. The majority of college students have social support from their family and friends. The result showed that both women and men have about the same amount of social support from their family. All forms of social support from friends are more common among women than among men. The study showed that there is a positive correlation between psychosomatic symptoms and social support. Conclusions: Psychosomatic symptoms are common among college students at Mälardalen University. The study could not confirm that there are differences in the extent of social support from family. However, all forms of social support from friends are more common among women than among men.