Self-esteem, depression and substance abuse among University school going adolescents in Kampala District

Abstract

The study was to examine the relationship between Self-Esteem, Depression and Substance Abuse among University school going Adolescents in Kampala District A study adopted a quantitative research approach with correlational method to determine the relationship between the study variables. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. The results showed that there significant relationship between Self esteem and substance abuse among adolescents (r= .297**, p= .000<0.05) The results also showed a strong relationship selfesteem and depression among adolescents (r= -.606**, p= .004<0.05) The results also showed there is a relationship between depression and substance abuse among adolescents (r= .320*, p= .015<0.05) Basing on this study, school going adolescents who avoid peer influence are better placed to overcome substance abuse. By providing counseling and peer education, the bad peer influence can be eradicated and instead peer groups be beneficial to adolescents in fighting substance abuse