Objective

To report the magnitude of symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in Social Work Students (SWS) from Peru and the stressors associated with each illness. Moreover, to validate the DASS-21 tool (Spanish version) with a Peruvian SWS sample.

Method

Quantitative study that applied the DASS-21 scale to a sample of 152 Peruvian SWS. Sociodemographic data and college stressors over stress, anxiety, and depression were modelled with factorial analysis, multiple regressions, ANOVA, and t-tests. Descriptive statistics were also used. The research started in August 2018 and end in February 2019.

Results

The study concludes that 48% of Peruvian SWS suffer from severe or extremely severe symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression. Female students are the most affected by these illnesses. The DASS-21 Spanish version was validated in a new sample of Peruvian SWS. The profile of the SWS from Peru is reported.

Conclusion

Peruvian SWS are suffering symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression at different levels. There are college stressors that increase the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in these students.