Social Issues in America: Their Impact on the Anxiety Level and Coping of College Students

Social Issues in America: Their Impact on the Anxiety Level and Coping of
College Students

Adelphi University

Informed Consent

IRB protocol title: Social Issues in America: Their Impact on the Anxiety Level and Coping of College Students

Principal investigator: Erica Coleman
Co-investigator/faculty adviser: Carolyn M. Springer, Ph.D.

Research purposes

This survey research study investigates the impact of current social issues on the level of anxiety experienced by college students and strategies they are using for coping.

Description of research

You will be asked to complete a 20 minute long online survey that asks questions about you, your reaction to different social issues, your personality and your coping strategies.

Potential risks

The study risks are minimal. The choice of participating is up to you. You do not have to answer any question that makes you feel uncomfortable. If you do feel upset after taking part, you can contact the Counseling Center at (516) 877- 3646 (University Center Room 310) or Derner Psychological Services at (516) 877- 4820 (Hy Weinberg Center) to speak with someone.

Potential benefits

The information you provide may not directly benefit you but a better understanding of the impact of social issues on college students can help inform the design of appropriate interventions.

Costs/Compensation

There is no compensation for participating in this study.

Additional Information

If you have any questions at any time about this research or want to discuss any possible study-related incidents, please contact Erica Coleman at Ericacoleman@mail.adelphi.edu or (516) 877-4753 or Carolyn Springer at springer@adelphi.edu or (516) 877-4753.

Confidentiality

Your identity as a participant in this research study will be kept confidential in any publication of the results of this study. The information obtained during this research (research records) will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. However, this research record may be reviewed by government agencies (such as the Department of Health and Human services), the agency sponsoring this research, individuals who are authorized to monitor or audit the research or the Institutional Review Board (the committee that oversees all research in human subjects at Adelphi University), if required by applicable laws or regulations.

Your IP address will not be collected. The survey is hosted on survey monkey which meets the standards for internet security. However, there is a limit to the confidentiality that can be guaranteed due to the technology itself. Specifically, although the risk is small, no guarantees can be made regarding the interception of data sent via the Internet by any third parties. Please complete the survey in a location that is private.

The materials will be maintained for at least seven years on a password protected computer. Only the researchers will have access to the data.

Voluntary participation

Participation in this study is completely voluntary. It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. You can stop participating at any time without any penalty.

Institutional Review Board approval: This research has been reviewed and approved by the Adelphi University Institutional Review Board. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please contact Dr. Carolyn M. Springer, Ph.D. chair of the IRB, at 516. 877-4753 or springer@adelphi.edu

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* 1. I would like to participate in this study

Yes

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* 2. Gender

Female

Male

Other

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* 3. In what year were you born? (enter 4-digit birth year; for example, 1976)

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* 4. What is your current year in school?

First year student

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

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* 5. Are you a commuter or resident?

Commuter

Resident

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* 6. Do you work?

Part-time

Full-time

Not currently employed

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* 7. What is your race/ethnicity? (Check all that apply)

White or Caucasian

Black or African American

Latinx

Asian or Asian American

American Indian or Alaska Native

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

Multi-racial

Other (please specify)

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* 8. How anxious are you about each of the following?

	Not at all anxious	Not that anxious	Somewhat anxious	Extremely anxious
Over-reliance on social media use	Over-reliance on social media use Not at all anxious	Over-reliance on social media use Not that anxious	Over-reliance on social media use Somewhat anxious	Over-reliance on social media use Extremely anxious
Increased use of drugs/alcohol	Increased use of drugs/alcohol Not at all anxious	Increased use of drugs/alcohol Not that anxious	Increased use of drugs/alcohol Somewhat anxious	Increased use of drugs/alcohol Extremely anxious
Financial cost of college	Financial cost of college Not at all anxious	Financial cost of college Not that anxious	Financial cost of college Somewhat anxious	Financial cost of college Extremely anxious
Getting a job after graduating college	Getting a job after graduating college Not at all anxious	Getting a job after graduating college Not that anxious	Getting a job after graduating college Somewhat anxious	Getting a job after graduating college Extremely anxious
Mistrust of political leadership	Mistrust of political leadership Not at all anxious	Mistrust of political leadership Not that anxious	Mistrust of political leadership Somewhat anxious	Mistrust of political leadership Extremely anxious
Poor healthcare/ lack of healthcare	Poor healthcare/ lack of healthcare Not at all anxious	Poor healthcare/ lack of healthcare Not that anxious	Poor healthcare/ lack of healthcare Somewhat anxious	Poor healthcare/ lack of healthcare Extremely anxious
Environmental issues/ climate change	Environmental issues/ climate change Not at all anxious	Environmental issues/ climate change Not that anxious	Environmental issues/ climate change Somewhat anxious	Environmental issues/ climate change Extremely anxious
Finding a healthy relationship	Finding a healthy relationship Not at all anxious	Finding a healthy relationship Not that anxious	Finding a healthy relationship Somewhat anxious	Finding a healthy relationship Extremely anxious
Intense pressure to succeed	Intense pressure to succeed Not at all anxious	Intense pressure to succeed Not that anxious	Intense pressure to succeed Somewhat anxious	Intense pressure to succeed Extremely anxious
Pressure to grow up too fast	Pressure to grow up too fast Not at all anxious	Pressure to grow up too fast Not that anxious	Pressure to grow up too fast Somewhat anxious	Pressure to grow up too fast Extremely anxious
Loss of personal Freedoms	Loss of personal Freedoms Not at all anxious	Loss of personal Freedoms Not that anxious	Loss of personal Freedoms Somewhat anxious	Loss of personal Freedoms Extremely anxious
Keeping myself and my family safe	Keeping myself and my family safe Not at all anxious	Keeping myself and my family safe Not that anxious	Keeping myself and my family safe Somewhat anxious	Keeping myself and my family safe Extremely anxious
Financial concerns/ paying bills and expenses	Financial concerns/ paying bills and expenses Not at all anxious	Financial concerns/ paying bills and expenses Not that anxious	Financial concerns/ paying bills and expenses Somewhat anxious	Financial concerns/ paying bills and expenses Extremely anxious
Impact of politics on daily life	Impact of politics on daily life Not at all anxious	Impact of politics on daily life Not that anxious	Impact of politics on daily life Somewhat anxious	Impact of politics on daily life Extremely anxious
Relationships with family/friends/coworkers	Relationships with family/friends/coworkers Not at all anxious	Relationships with family/friends/coworkers Not that anxious	Relationships with family/friends/coworkers Somewhat anxious	Relationships with family/friends/coworkers Extremely anxious
Gun violence	Gun violence Not at all anxious	Gun violence Not that anxious	Gun violence Somewhat anxious	Gun violence Extremely anxious
Economy	Economy Not at all anxious	Economy Not that anxious	Economy Somewhat anxious	Economy Extremely anxious
Hate Crimes	Hate Crimes Not at all anxious	Hate Crimes Not that anxious	Hate Crimes Somewhat anxious	Hate Crimes Extremely anxious
Low wages	Low wages Not at all anxious	Low wages Not that anxious	Low wages Somewhat anxious	Low wages Extremely anxious
Unemployment	Unemployment Not at all anxious	Unemployment Not that anxious	Unemployment Somewhat anxious	Unemployment Extremely anxious

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* 9. Here are a number of statements that may or may not apply to you. For the most accurate score, when responding, think of how you compare to most people -- not just the people you know well, but most people in the world. There are no right or wrong answers, so just answer honestly!

	Very much like me	Mostly like me	Somewhat like me	Not much like me	Not like me at all
I have overcome setbacks to conquer an important challenge.	I have overcome setbacks to conquer an important challenge. Very much like me	I have overcome setbacks to conquer an important challenge. Mostly like me	I have overcome setbacks to conquer an important challenge. Somewhat like me	I have overcome setbacks to conquer an important challenge. Not much like me	I have overcome setbacks to conquer an important challenge. Not like me at all
New ideas and projects sometimes distract me from previous ones.	New ideas and projects sometimes distract me from previous ones. Very much like me	New ideas and projects sometimes distract me from previous ones. Mostly like me	New ideas and projects sometimes distract me from previous ones. Somewhat like me	New ideas and projects sometimes distract me from previous ones. Not much like me	New ideas and projects sometimes distract me from previous ones. Not like me at all
My interests change from year to year.	My interests change from year to year. Very much like me	My interests change from year to year. Mostly like me	My interests change from year to year. Somewhat like me	My interests change from year to year. Not much like me	My interests change from year to year. Not like me at all
Setbacks don't discourage me.	Setbacks don't discourage me. Very much like me	Setbacks don't discourage me. Mostly like me	Setbacks don't discourage me. Somewhat like me	Setbacks don't discourage me. Not much like me	Setbacks don't discourage me. Not like me at all
I have been obsessed with a certain idea or project for a short time but later lost interest.	I have been obsessed with a certain idea or project for a short time but later lost interest. Very much like me	I have been obsessed with a certain idea or project for a short time but later lost interest. Mostly like me	I have been obsessed with a certain idea or project for a short time but later lost interest. Somewhat like me	I have been obsessed with a certain idea or project for a short time but later lost interest. Not much like me	I have been obsessed with a certain idea or project for a short time but later lost interest. Not like me at all
I am a hard worker.	I am a hard worker. Very much like me	I am a hard worker. Mostly like me	I am a hard worker. Somewhat like me	I am a hard worker. Not much like me	I am a hard worker. Not like me at all
I often set a goal but later choose to pursue a different one.	I often set a goal but later choose to pursue a different one. Very much like me	I often set a goal but later choose to pursue a different one. Mostly like me	I often set a goal but later choose to pursue a different one. Somewhat like me	I often set a goal but later choose to pursue a different one. Not much like me	I often set a goal but later choose to pursue a different one. Not like me at all
I have difficulty maintaining my focus on projects that take more than a few months to complete.	I have difficulty maintaining my focus on projects that take more than a few months to complete. Very much like me	I have difficulty maintaining my focus on projects that take more than a few months to complete. Mostly like me	I have difficulty maintaining my focus on projects that take more than a few months to complete. Somewhat like me	I have difficulty maintaining my focus on projects that take more than a few months to complete. Not much like me	I have difficulty maintaining my focus on projects that take more than a few months to complete. Not like me at all
I finish whatever I begin.	I finish whatever I begin. Very much like me	I finish whatever I begin. Mostly like me	I finish whatever I begin. Somewhat like me	I finish whatever I begin. Not much like me	I finish whatever I begin. Not like me at all
I have achieved a goal that took years of work.	I have achieved a goal that took years of work. Very much like me	I have achieved a goal that took years of work. Mostly like me	I have achieved a goal that took years of work. Somewhat like me	I have achieved a goal that took years of work. Not much like me	I have achieved a goal that took years of work. Not like me at all
I become interested in new pursuits every few months.	I become interested in new pursuits every few months. Very much like me	I become interested in new pursuits every few months. Mostly like me	I become interested in new pursuits every few months. Somewhat like me	I become interested in new pursuits every few months. Not much like me	I become interested in new pursuits every few months. Not like me at all
I am diligent.	I am diligent. Very much like me	I am diligent. Mostly like me	I am diligent. Somewhat like me	I am diligent. Not much like me	I am diligent. Not like me at all

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* 10. A number of statements which people have used to describe themselves are given below. Read each statement and then select the answer that indicates how you generally feel. There is no right or wrong answer. Do not spend too much time on any one statement but give the answer which seems to describe how you generally feel.

	Almost never	Sometimes	Often	Almost Always
I feel pleasant	I feel pleasant Almost never	I feel pleasant Sometimes	I feel pleasant Often	I feel pleasant Almost Always
I feel nervous and restless	I feel nervous and restless Almost never	I feel nervous and restless Sometimes	I feel nervous and restless Often	I feel nervous and restless Almost Always
I feel satisfied with myself	I feel satisfied with myself Almost never	I feel satisfied with myself Sometimes	I feel satisfied with myself Often	I feel satisfied with myself Almost Always
I wish I could be as happy as others seem to be	I wish I could be as happy as others seem to be Almost never	I wish I could be as happy as others seem to be Sometimes	I wish I could be as happy as others seem to be Often	I wish I could be as happy as others seem to be Almost Always
I feel like a failure	I feel like a failure Almost never	I feel like a failure Sometimes	I feel like a failure Often	I feel like a failure Almost Always
I feel rested	I feel rested Almost never	I feel rested Sometimes	I feel rested Often	I feel rested Almost Always
I am calm, cool, and collected	I am calm, cool, and collected Almost never	I am calm, cool, and collected Sometimes	I am calm, cool, and collected Often	I am calm, cool, and collected Almost Always
I feel that difficulties are piling up so that I cannot overcome them	I feel that difficulties are piling up so that I cannot overcome them Almost never	I feel that difficulties are piling up so that I cannot overcome them Sometimes	I feel that difficulties are piling up so that I cannot overcome them Often	I feel that difficulties are piling up so that I cannot overcome them Almost Always
I worry too much over something that doesn't matter	I worry too much over something that doesn't matter Almost never	I worry too much over something that doesn't matter Sometimes	I worry too much over something that doesn't matter Often	I worry too much over something that doesn't matter Almost Always
I am happy	I am happy Almost never	I am happy Sometimes	I am happy Often	I am happy Almost Always
I have disturbing thoughts	I have disturbing thoughts Almost never	I have disturbing thoughts Sometimes	I have disturbing thoughts Often	I have disturbing thoughts Almost Always
I lack self-confidence	I lack self-confidence Almost never	I lack self-confidence Sometimes	I lack self-confidence Often	I lack self-confidence Almost Always
I feel secure	I feel secure Almost never	I feel secure Sometimes	I feel secure Often	I feel secure Almost Always
I make decisions easily	I make decisions easily Almost never	I make decisions easily Sometimes	I make decisions easily Often	I make decisions easily Almost Always
I feel inadequate	I feel inadequate Almost never	I feel inadequate Sometimes	I feel inadequate Often	I feel inadequate Almost Always
I am content	I am content Almost never	I am content Sometimes	I am content Often	I am content Almost Always
Some unimportant thoughts run through my mind and bother me	Some unimportant thoughts run through my mind and bother me Almost never	Some unimportant thoughts run through my mind and bother me Sometimes	Some unimportant thoughts run through my mind and bother me Often	Some unimportant thoughts run through my mind and bother me Almost Always
I take disappointments so keenly that I can’t put them out of my mind	I take disappointments so keenly that I can’t put them out of my mind Almost never	I take disappointments so keenly that I can’t put them out of my mind Sometimes	I take disappointments so keenly that I can’t put them out of my mind Often	I take disappointments so keenly that I can’t put them out of my mind Almost Always
I am a steady person	I am a steady person Almost never	I am a steady person Sometimes	I am a steady person Often	I am a steady person Almost Always
I get in a states of tension or turmoil as I think over my recent concerns and interests	I get in a states of tension or turmoil as I think over my recent concerns and interests Almost never	I get in a states of tension or turmoil as I think over my recent concerns and interests Sometimes	I get in a states of tension or turmoil as I think over my recent concerns and interests Often	I get in a states of tension or turmoil as I think over my recent concerns and interests Almost Always

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* 11. These items deal with ways you've been coping with the stress in your life. There are many ways to try to deal with problems. These items ask what you've been doing to cope. Obviously, different people deal with things in different ways, but I'm interested in how you've tried to deal with a current problem. Each item says something about a particular way of coping. I want to know to what extent you've been doing what the item says. How much or how frequently. Don't answer on the basis of whether it seems to be working or not—just whether or not you're doing it. Use these response choices. Try to rate each item separately in your mind from the others. Make your answers as true FOR YOU as you can.

	I haven't been doing this at all	I've been doing this a little	I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been doing this a lot
I've been turning to work or other activities to take my mind off things.	I've been turning to work or other activities to take my mind off things. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been turning to work or other activities to take my mind off things. I've been doing this a little	I've been turning to work or other activities to take my mind off things. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been turning to work or other activities to take my mind off things. I've been doing this a lot
I've been concentrating my efforts on doing something about the situation I'm in.	I've been concentrating my efforts on doing something about the situation I'm in. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been concentrating my efforts on doing something about the situation I'm in. I've been doing this a little	I've been concentrating my efforts on doing something about the situation I'm in. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been concentrating my efforts on doing something about the situation I'm in. I've been doing this a lot
I've been saying to myself "this isn't real."	I've been saying to myself "this isn't real." I haven't been doing this at all	I've been saying to myself "this isn't real." I've been doing this a little	I've been saying to myself "this isn't real." I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been saying to myself "this isn't real." I've been doing this a lot
I've been using alcohol or other drugs to make myself feel better.	I've been using alcohol or other drugs to make myself feel better. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been using alcohol or other drugs to make myself feel better. I've been doing this a little	I've been using alcohol or other drugs to make myself feel better. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been using alcohol or other drugs to make myself feel better. I've been doing this a lot
I've been getting emotional support from others.	I've been getting emotional support from others. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been getting emotional support from others. I've been doing this a little	I've been getting emotional support from others. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been getting emotional support from others. I've been doing this a lot
I've been giving up trying to deal with it.	I've been giving up trying to deal with it. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been giving up trying to deal with it. I've been doing this a little	I've been giving up trying to deal with it. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been giving up trying to deal with it. I've been doing this a lot
I've been taking action to try and make the situation better.	I've been taking action to try and make the situation better. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been taking action to try and make the situation better. I've been doing this a little	I've been taking action to try and make the situation better. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been taking action to try and make the situation better. I've been doing this a lot
I've been refusing to believe that it has happened.	I've been refusing to believe that it has happened. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been refusing to believe that it has happened. I've been doing this a little	I've been refusing to believe that it has happened. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been refusing to believe that it has happened. I've been doing this a lot
I've been saying things to let my unpleasant feelings escape.	I've been saying things to let my unpleasant feelings escape. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been saying things to let my unpleasant feelings escape. I've been doing this a little	I've been saying things to let my unpleasant feelings escape. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been saying things to let my unpleasant feelings escape. I've been doing this a lot
I've been getting help and advice from other people.	I've been getting help and advice from other people. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been getting help and advice from other people. I've been doing this a little	I've been getting help and advice from other people. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been getting help and advice from other people. I've been doing this a lot
I've been using alcohol or other drugs to help me get through it.	I've been using alcohol or other drugs to help me get through it. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been using alcohol or other drugs to help me get through it. I've been doing this a little	I've been using alcohol or other drugs to help me get through it. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been using alcohol or other drugs to help me get through it. I've been doing this a lot
I've been trying to see it in a different light, to make it seem more positive.	I've been trying to see it in a different light, to make it seem more positive. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been trying to see it in a different light, to make it seem more positive. I've been doing this a little	I've been trying to see it in a different light, to make it seem more positive. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been trying to see it in a different light, to make it seem more positive. I've been doing this a lot
I've been criticizing myself.	I've been criticizing myself. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been criticizing myself. I've been doing this a little	I've been criticizing myself. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been criticizing myself. I've been doing this a lot
I've been trying to come up with a strategy about what to do.	I've been trying to come up with a strategy about what to do. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been trying to come up with a strategy about what to do. I've been doing this a little	I've been trying to come up with a strategy about what to do. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been trying to come up with a strategy about what to do. I've been doing this a lot
I've been getting comfort and understanding from someone.	I've been getting comfort and understanding from someone. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been getting comfort and understanding from someone. I've been doing this a little	I've been getting comfort and understanding from someone. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been getting comfort and understanding from someone. I've been doing this a lot
I've been giving up the attempt to cope.	I've been giving up the attempt to cope. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been giving up the attempt to cope. I've been doing this a little	I've been giving up the attempt to cope. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been giving up the attempt to cope. I've been doing this a lot
I've been looking for something good in what is happening.	I've been looking for something good in what is happening. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been looking for something good in what is happening. I've been doing this a little	I've been looking for something good in what is happening. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been looking for something good in what is happening. I've been doing this a lot
I've been making jokes about it.	I've been making jokes about it. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been making jokes about it. I've been doing this a little	I've been making jokes about it. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been making jokes about it. I've been doing this a lot
I've been doing something to think about it less, such as going to movies, watching TV, reading, daydreaming, sleeping, or shopping.	I've been doing something to think about it less, such as going to movies, watching TV, reading, daydreaming, sleeping, or shopping. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been doing something to think about it less, such as going to movies, watching TV, reading, daydreaming, sleeping, or shopping. I've been doing this a little	I've been doing something to think about it less, such as going to movies, watching TV, reading, daydreaming, sleeping, or shopping. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been doing something to think about it less, such as going to movies, watching TV, reading, daydreaming, sleeping, or shopping. I've been doing this a lot
I've been accepting the reality of the fact that it has happened.	I've been accepting the reality of the fact that it has happened. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been accepting the reality of the fact that it has happened. I've been doing this a little	I've been accepting the reality of the fact that it has happened. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been accepting the reality of the fact that it has happened. I've been doing this a lot
I've been expressing my negative feelings.	I've been expressing my negative feelings. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been expressing my negative feelings. I've been doing this a little	I've been expressing my negative feelings. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been expressing my negative feelings. I've been doing this a lot
I've been trying to find comfort in my religion or spiritual beliefs.	I've been trying to find comfort in my religion or spiritual beliefs. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been trying to find comfort in my religion or spiritual beliefs. I've been doing this a little	I've been trying to find comfort in my religion or spiritual beliefs. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been trying to find comfort in my religion or spiritual beliefs. I've been doing this a lot
I’ve been trying to get advice or help from other people about what to do.	I’ve been trying to get advice or help from other people about what to do. I haven't been doing this at all	I’ve been trying to get advice or help from other people about what to do. I've been doing this a little	I’ve been trying to get advice or help from other people about what to do. I've been doing this a medium amount	I’ve been trying to get advice or help from other people about what to do. I've been doing this a lot
I've been learning to live with it.	I've been learning to live with it. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been learning to live with it. I've been doing this a little	I've been learning to live with it. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been learning to live with it. I've been doing this a lot
I've been thinking hard about what steps to take.	I've been thinking hard about what steps to take. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been thinking hard about what steps to take. I've been doing this a little	I've been thinking hard about what steps to take. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been thinking hard about what steps to take. I've been doing this a lot
I've been blaming myself for things that happened.	I've been blaming myself for things that happened. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been blaming myself for things that happened. I've been doing this a little	I've been blaming myself for things that happened. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been blaming myself for things that happened. I've been doing this a lot
I've been praying or meditating.	I've been praying or meditating. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been praying or meditating. I've been doing this a little	I've been praying or meditating. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been praying or meditating. I've been doing this a lot
I've been making fun of the situation.	I've been making fun of the situation. I haven't been doing this at all	I've been making fun of the situation. I've been doing this a little	I've been making fun of the situation. I've been doing this a medium amount	I've been making fun of the situation. I've been doing this a lot