Optimism and Psychological Distress Among First-Year Students During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a global effect, causing psychological distress for many people. This research aims to determine the relationship between optimism and psychological distress among first-year students during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research performed using the quantitative method with non-probability sampling applied with a quota sampling technique and obtained a sample of 100 first-year students at Universitas Hang Tuah (UHT). Optimism was measured using Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) developed by Scheier, Carver, and Bridges. Psychological distress was measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) developed by Kessler and Mroczek. The results of the data analysis using Spearman Rank-order showed a correlation coefficient (rs) of -.395 with a value of p = .000 (p < .01). This demonstrates that there is a negative relationship between optimism and psychological distress among first-year students during the Covid-19 pandemic. The results also reveal that the majority in the level of optimism and psychological distress among first-year students of UHT is in the high category.

Keywords

• optimism
• psychological distress
• students
• the covid-19 pandemic