ASSESSING THE ROLES OF STRESS ON DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.

University students are increasingly vulnerable to mental health challenges due to academic pressure, financial concerns, and social demands. Among these challenges, stress plays a central role in the development of depression and anxiety. This study examined the influence of stress on depression and anxiety among undergraduates in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Delta (UNIDEL). A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data were collected from 253 students using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Convenience sampling was used to sample the population. Descriptive statistics in simple linear regression was used in analysing data through spss version 23. The findings reviewed a significant positive relationship between stress and depression. Also a significantly positive relationship between stress and anxiety. Students who reported higher levels of perceived stress also showed increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Stress significantly contributed to poor mental health outcomes among university of delta students. The findings reviewed the need for accessible mental health services, stress management programs, and supportive academic environments within the university setting.