Stress, Anxiety, and Depression as Psychological Distress Among College and Undergraduate Students: A Scoping Review of Reviews Guided by the Socio-Ecological Model

Background/Objectives: College and undergraduate students around the world struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression, which have a significant negative influence on their academic performance, social interactions, and general well-being. Creating successful preventative and intervention plans requires an understanding of the many, multi-level factors that contribute to psychological discomfort. The objective of this scoping review was to use the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) to map the determinants of psychological distress among college students in a comprehensive manner. Methods: A total of 15 review publications published between 2015 and 2024, including narrative reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and umbrella reviews, were analyzed under the guidance of PRISMA ScR. These studies synthesized evidence across various countries, including China, Iran, India, Canada, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. Results: Academic pressure, financial stress, poor sleep, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and pre-existing mental health issues were all individual-level concerns, with female and minority students being more vulnerable. Strong familial ties and friendships served as protective interpersonal support. Heavy academic workloads, strict grading guidelines, a lack of mental health resources, and unwelcoming campus environments were among the institutional factors. Stigma and socioeconomic disparities are examples of community-level variables that make mental health issues worse. Conclusions: Student mental health is shaped by interrelated factors across all SEM levels. Integrated, multi-level strategies are essential to fostering supportive campuses, strengthening community networks, and implementing inclusive policies that promote mental health equity.