PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT ON PREDICTION OF DEPRESSION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

This study examined the influence of perceived social support on the prediction of depression among university students. The specific objectives were to: determine the effect of perceived social support on students’ depression levels, examine the relationship between family support and depression, assess the influence of peer support on depression, and evaluate the role of significant others’ support in predicting depression among university students. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, and the population of the study comprised undergraduate students from selected universities. A sample size of 400 respondents was drawn using appropriate sampling techniques. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires, including standardized scales for measuring perceived social support and depression. Mean (X̄) and standard deviation (SD) were used to analyze the research questions, while t-test statistical analysis was employed to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that perceived social support significantly predicted depression among university students, t(n = 400, df = 399) = 95.276, p < 0.05. The study further showed that family support had a significant negative relationship with depression, indicating that higher family support is associated with lower levels of depression among students, t(n = 400, df = 399) = 82.541, p < 0.05. Peer support was also found to significantly influence depression levels, t(n = 400, df = 399) = 76.884, p < 0.05. Additionally, support from significant others demonstrated a significant relationship with depression, t(n = 400, df = 399) = 88.213, p < 0.05. Based on the findings, it was recommended that university authorities and stakeholders should promote strong social support systems through counseling services, peer support programs, and family engagement initiatives to help reduce depression among students.