The Influence of peer pressure, self esteem and depression on second year undergraduate students in Makerere University

Abstract

This study is aimed at finding out the influence of peer pressure, self-esteem and depression on second year university students in Makerere university Kampala district. The study targeted 100 students who were enrolled at Makerere University Kampala between 18-25 years both male and female. The objectives of the study were to establish the levels of depression among first year undergraduate students. To examine the relationship between peer pressure and depression among second year undergraduates in Makerere, to assess the relationship between self-esteem and depression and to examine the relationship between self-esteem and peer pressure among first year The questionnaires were designed to measure for depression, self-esteem and peer pressure where administered to 100 youths in Makerere university using convenient sampling technique. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson correlation coefficient and data entry and analysis using the statistical package for social scientist (SPSS). Study results showed that there is a significant relationship between peer pressure and depression among second year students in Makerere University. Findings also showed that there is a significant relationship between self-esteem and depression among second year students in Makerere University. Findings further revealed that there is a significant relationship between self-esteem and peer pressure among second year students in Makerere University. The research concluded that the university should design depression screening programs and also sensitize second year students about the effects of low self-esteem and peer pressure on their overall decision making or initiation into risky behaviors because it greatly might affect their mental health in terms of depression and yet they are youth who are still of productive age and looking forward to succeed in their academics.