Social Support and Coping Mechanisms as Predictors of Depressive Symptoms among Undergraduate Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State
Psychological theories of depression and cognitive theories of depression assumed that social support and coping mechanism may explain depressive symptoms. In the present study, the assumption was tested among 200 undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. Ages of the participants were 18-25 years (M = 30.5, SD = 4.65). Three scales were used to collect data for the study: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Brief Coping Orientation Problems Experienced Inventory (B-COPE). The study adopted correlational design and the hypotheses was tested with multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that social support significantly predicted depressive symptoms while coping mechanism did not. The outcome of the study suggested for a framework for understanding the role of social support and coping mechanism on depressive symptoms. It was recommended that social support and coping mechanism should be encouraged and included in the University’s programs as part of general studies, routine seminars, conferences and orientation of new students.