A network approach to understanding distance learners’ experience of stress and mental distress whilst studying

Table 1 Socio-demographic characteristics of the sample (n = 318)

Variable	n	%
Worked in past month
Yes	284	89.31
No	34	10.69
Partnership status: currently married, in civil partnership or cohabiting
Yes	214	67.30
No	104	32.70
Parenting status: children aged 18 years and younger living in same household
Yes	167	52.52
No	151	47.48
Caregiver status: unpaid carer
No	215	67.61
Yes, 1–19 h a week	63	19.81
Yes, 20–49 h a week	16	5.03
Yes, 50 + hrs a week	24	7.55
Sex
Female	279	87.74
Male	39	12.26
Ethnicity
White	270	84.91
Non white	48	15.09
Highest educational attainment at time of registration to university
Less than A levels	75	23.58
A levels or equivalent	130	40.88
Higher education attainment	113	35.53
Age (years)
19–24	33	10.38
25–29	48	15.09
30–34	52	16.35
35–39	54	16.98
40 +	131	41.19