Examining Gender Disparities in Psychological Distress and Coping Among Postgraduate Students in University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Postgraduate study is associated with elevated psychological distress, and gender may moderate both the nature of distress and the adequacy of coping strategies employed. This study examined gender disparities in psychological distress and coping among postgraduate students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional comparative design was employed, with 280 postgraduate students selected through stratified random sampling across six graduate school faculties. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the COPE Inventory were administered alongside a structured demographic questionnaire. Independent samples t-tests, chi-square analysis, and regression analysis were used. Findings revealed significant gender disparities, with female postgraduate students reporting significantly higher psychological distress levels than males. However, female students also utilised a broader range of coping strategies including social support-seeking and meaning-focused coping. Male students were more likely to engage in avoidant and substance-based coping. Academic pressure, financial stress, and supervisory relationship quality were the strongest predictors of distress across genders. The study identifies important counselling implications regarding gender-sensitive mental health support for postgraduate students. Recommendations included the provision of gender-informed counselling services at UNN's postgraduate school, peer support group formation, and supervisory relationship quality standards to protect student mental health. Keywords: psychological distress, coping, gender disparities, postgraduate students, University of Nigeria Nsukka.