Perceived social support, stress, and depression among adolescents in Kampala.

Abstract

Background The period of adolescence, encompassing physical, mental, social, and emotional changes, is marked by frustration and confusion in decision-making. Perceived social support, derived from family, friends, and others, plays a crucial role. It enhances psychological well-being, aids in coping with challenges, and improves quality of life. Stress, a response to threatening situations, is inherent but can lead to distress. Adolescents face academic and psychological stress, often exacerbated by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic. Social support mitigates stress effects, fostering resilience. Ugandan youth seek support from friends and family, contributing to coping skills and resilience development Results. The results show that Perceived Social Support and Stress are not significantly related, Perceived Social Support and Depression are not significantly related and Stress and Depression are significantly correlated. Recommendations The researcher recommends the introduction of stress management programs in schools and community organizations. For example, schools can offer yoga classes and mindfulness activities to help students manage stress and build resilience. These interventions help equip adolescents with coping strategies to navigate stressors effectively, reducing the risk of depression and other mental health issues. Chat GPT It's great to see recommendations aimed at addressing the challenges faced by adolescents, especially in the context of stress and mental health. Stress management programs and activities like yoga and mindfulness can indeed be beneficial for them. If you have any questions or need further information or advice on implementing these recommendations, please feel free to ask.

Context: Adolescence is a transformative phase characterized by physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes, often marked by confusion and frustration when making decisions. Perceived social support, originating from family, friends, and other sources, plays a pivotal role during this period. It bolsters psychological well-being, facilitates coping with challenges, and enhances overall quality of life. Stress, a natural response to threatening situations, is an inherent aspect of this stage but can lead to distress. Adolescents contend with academic and psychological stress, which has been exacerbated by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Social support serves as a buffer against the adverse effects of stress, fostering resilience. Ugandan youth commonly seek support from their peers and family members, contributing significantly to the development of coping skills and resilience.

Findings: The research findings indicate that there is no significant correlation between Perceived Social Support and Stress, nor between Perceived Social Support and Depression. However, there is a notable and significant correlation between Stress and Depression.

Recommendations: Based on these findings, the researcher proposes the implementation of stress management initiatives within educational institutions and community organizations. For instance, schools can introduce activities like yoga classes and mindfulness exercises to assist students in effectively managing stress and building resilience. These interventions equip adolescents with valuable coping strategies, reducing the risk of depression and other mental health issues. If you have any further questions or require additional details on implementing these suggestions, please don't hesitate to ask.