Predicting the symptoms of depression and anxiety based on the components of ultimate concerns

this research aims to explain the contribution of ultimate concerns components (death, freedom, isolation and meaningless) in predicting the symptoms of anxiety and depression. 389 students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad including 218 men and 171 women were present as the research sample in 2014-15 by random sampling. Research data were collected using subscales of anxiety and depression in depression, anxiety, stress (DASS), Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), the third edition Loneliness Scale UCLA (UCLA-LS), subscale of meaning in life in meaningfulness of life questionnaire (MLQ), and responsibility scale of California Psychological Inventory (CPI). These data were analyzed step by step using Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Findings: Death anxiety and isolation had a direct and significant relationship with depressive symptoms. The relationship between meaningfulness of life and depression symptoms was significant and inverse. The components of isolation, responsibility, and death anxiety can predict the symptoms of anxiety. In addition, isolation and meaningfulness of life can predict the symptoms of depression. According to the findings of the present research, ultimate concerns can be considered as one of the effective factors in the symptoms of anxiety and depression. In addition, isolation is the only component of ultimate concerns that jointly deal with the symptoms of anxiety and depression in youth.