Depression in College Students: The Influence of Coping Strategies, Optimism, and Daily Hassles

College students (n=250) were given a survey packet containing reliable instruments for the measure of depression, coping strategies, optimism, and daily hassles. Depression in college students was hypothesized to be positively correlated with avoidance and frequent daily hassles; whereas problem-solving, social support coping, and optimism were hypothesized to be negatively correlated with a depressed effect. Hierarchical multiple regression produced empirical support that frequent daily hassles and avoidant coping strategies exacerbates depression in a college population. Data analysis assessed a significant relationship between optimism and decreased depression. The coping strategies of problem-solving and social support did not enter into a significant relationship with depression or buffer the development of depressive symptoms. This study examines and expands upon prior research of depression in college students by reviewing related psychological literature, contributing empirical research, and making suggestions for further research