🔬 Study Methodology

Methodology & Instruments

A quantitative, web-based cross-sectional survey design using internationally validated psychometric instruments to assess mental wellness indicators among Indian students.

📐
Design
Cross-Sectional
🎓
Population
Indian University Students
💻
Method
Anonymous Web Survey
⏱
Duration
10–12 Minutes

Validated Instruments

Used strictly for research classification — not clinical diagnosis.

PHQ-9
Depression Screening
Patient Health Questionnaire-9

A 9-item self-report questionnaire used to monitor the severity of depressive symptoms. Each item scored 0–3, total 0–27.

Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. (2001). J Gen Intern Med, 16(9), 606–613.

GAD-7
Anxiety Screening
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7

A 7-item self-report scale for assessing generalized anxiety severity. Each item scored 0–3, total 0–21.

Spitzer, R. L., et al. (2006). Arch Intern Med, 166(10), 1092–1097.

PSS-10
Stress Screening
Perceived Stress Scale-10

A 10-item global measure of perceived stress over the past month. Includes 4 reverse-scored items, total 0–40.

Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., & Mermelstein, R. (1983). J Health Social Behavior, 24(4), 385–396.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Currently enrolled in a college or university program
  • Age 18 years or older
  • Able to read and understand English
  • Capable of providing informed consent
📊 Scoring & Interpretation: Scoring is automated using standard algorithms. Aggregate scores identify prevalence trends. Individual scores are not interpreted by clinicians and should not be used for self-diagnosis.

Academic References

  1. Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606–13.
  2. Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JB, Löwe B. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(10):1092–7.
  3. Cohen S, Kamarck T, Mermelstein R. A global measure of perceived stress. J Health Soc Behav. 1983;24(4):385–96.
  4. India Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India.