Correlation of Exam Stress and Happiness with Seasonal Affective Disorder in Undergraduate Students

Correlation of Exam Stress and Happiness with Seasonal Affective Disorder in Undergraduate Students

Authors

  • Muhammad Umair Khalid CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore
  • Momina Hassan CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore
  • Sarah Ali CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore
  • Aiza Zehra Zaidi CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore
  • Ismail Mazhar CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore
  • Syed Imran Ali Shah CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21649/akemu.v31i4.5893

Keywords:

Seasonal variation, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Test Anxiety, Cross-Sectional Study, Exam Stress

Abstract

Background: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a subtype of major depressive disorder characterized by recurring seasonal depressive episodes. While several risk factors for SAD have been identified, the role of exam stress and happiness remains unexplored.

Objective: This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of SAD among undergraduate students and examined its association with exam-induced stress and subjective happiness.

Methods: Data were collected from 299 students across 27 institutions in Lahore, Pakistan, using the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), Westside Test Anxiety Scale (WTAS), and Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS).

Results: The prevalence of SAD was 13%, with winter SAD being the most common subtype. A significant positive correlation was found between exam stress and SAD severity, particularly among students whose exam period coincided with their SAD season (p = 0.008). However, no significant association was observed between subjective happiness and SAD (p = 0.327).

Conclusion: Non-medical students reported higher exam stress and lower happiness levels than medical students. These findings highlight the impact of academic stress on SAD and emphasize the need for psychological interventions alongside conventional treatments. Future studies should explore targeted mental health strategies to mitigate the effects of SAD among students facing academic pressure.

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Published

12/31/2025

How to Cite

Khalid, M. U., Hassan, M., Sarah Ali, Aiza Zehra Zaidi, Ismail Mazhar, & Shah, S. I. A. (2025). Correlation of Exam Stress and Happiness with Seasonal Affective Disorder in Undergraduate Students. Annals of King Edward Medical University, 31(4). https://doi.org/10.21649/akemu.v31i4.5893

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 4 (2025): AKEMU

Section

Short Communications

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