Peer support and depressive symptoms among twelfth-grade students
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56922/mhc.v5i3.3457
Adolescents Depressive Symptoms Mental Health Peer Support
Abstract
Background: Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health problems among adolescents and may negatively affect academic achievement, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life. Peer support is considered an important protective factor that can help adolescents cope with stress and emotional challenges during their developmental period.
Purpose: To determine the relationship between peer support and depressive symptoms among twelfth-grade adolescents.
Method: A quantitative correlational design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 82 students were selected using a total sampling technique. Data were collected using peer support and depressive symptom questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square tests with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Of the 82 respondents, 53.7% perceived supportive peer support, whereas 46.3% reported less supportive peer support. Most respondents experienced mild depressive symptoms (61.0%), followed by no depressive symptoms (25.6%) and moderate depressive symptoms (13.4%). Chi-Square analysis revealed no significant relationship between overall peer support and depressive symptoms (p = 0.295). Among the dimensions of peer support, only appraisal support was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (p = 0.011). Emotional support (p = 0.193), instrumental support (p = 0.239), informational support (p = 0.566), and companionship support (p = 0.143) were not significantly associated with depressive symptoms.
Conclusion: Overall peer support was not significantly associated with depressive symptoms among twelfth-grade adolescents. However, appraisal support showed a significant association with depressive symptoms, highlighting its potential role in promoting adolescent mental health.
Keywords: Adolescents; Depressive Symptoms; Mental Health; Peer Support.
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