Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 95 No. 5, 2025.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.95.5.9
Levels of Depression, Anxiety and Subjective Happiness among Students of Theology and Theological-Religious Sciences at the University of Zagreb: A Cross-Sectional Study
Jakov Milić
orcid.org/0000-0003-2543-2857
; Katolički bogoslovni fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Ivan Pleše
orcid.org/0000-0003-0935-2160
; Katolički bogoslovni fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sažetak
Mental health among university students has become an increasingly prominent subject of scientific research. However, students of theology and religious studies remain underrepresented in the literature. Since they undergo unique academic and spiritual formation, understanding their psychological well-being could be of significant academic and pastoral relevance. This research aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as levels of subjective happiness among students of theology and religious studies at the Catholic Faculty of Theology in Zagreb (Croatia). A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2024 at the Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb. A total of 156 students completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire that included sociodemographic data, the PHQ-9 for depression, the GAD-7 for anxiety, and the Subjective Happiness Scale. Due to the non-normal distribution of data, non-parametric tests and Spearman’s correlations were used. Among the participants, 44.2 % exhibited at least mild depressive symptoms, while 37.7 % showed at least mild anxiety symptoms. Lay students demonstrated a higher prevalence of symptoms compared to candidates for the priesthood or members of religious communities. Subjective happiness was negatively correlated with levels of anxiety and depression. No statistically significant gender differences were observed. Higher years of study were moderately associated with increased depressive and anxiety symptoms. This research highlights a substantial presence of psychological difficulties among theology students, particularly among lay participants. Although religious life may provide certain protective factors, the findings underscore the need for systematic mental health support and the integration of emotional well-being into theological formation. Further longitudinal and qualitative studies are recommended.
Ključne riječi
depression; anxiety; subjective happiness; theology students; mental health; pastoral formation
Hrčak ID:
346361
URI
Datum izdavanja:
16.4.2026.
Posjeta: 427 *