Intimate partner violence, relationship commitment and depression among university dating students

Abstract

This dissertation examines how depression, relationship commitment, and intimate partner violence (IPV) interact in the context of Makerere University's dating students in Uganda. The study used a quantitative correlational technique to reveal these complex correlations and has a sample size of 371 people. Self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data, purposive sampling was used to choose the participants. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25 was used to analyze the data. The study findings show, and a strong positive link between IPV and depression was discovered (r =.379, p < 0.01), showing that greater levels of IPV are associated with heightened depressed symptoms in college students. Additionally, there is correlation found between IPV and relationship commitment (r =.130, p < 0.05), indicating that IPV experiences are associated with lower levels of commitment in partnerships. Relationship commitment and depression don't, however, appear to be correlated statistically (r =.100, p > 0.05). These findings deepen the critical need for tailored interventions and support mechanisms to address the mental well-being of university students. Implementing mental health services and raising awareness within the academic environment can play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse consequences of IPV on depression. Additionally, promoting healthy relationships and offering resources to individuals experiencing IPV are crucial steps in nurturing commitment and overall well-being among university students. In conclusion, this dissertation provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of IPV, relationship commitment, and depression among university students. These findings deepen the importance of addressing mental health challenges and violence prevention efforts among young adults navigating romantic relationships during their university years.