Social support, self -esteem and depression among adolescents in Kampala District

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between Social Support, Self-Esteem and depression among adolescents. The study employed a correlational research design that was cross-sectional. A sample of 100 adolescents both female and male adolescents aged between 12-20 years was selected using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected by use of self-administered questionnaire which included demographic information; a multidimensional scale of perceived social support for social support, Rosenberg self-esteem scale for self-esteem and. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 21). Spearman Correlation Coefficient (rs) was used to test the significance of the hypotheses. Results revealed that there is no significant relationship between Social support and self-esteem among adolescents and also between social support and depression. However the study findings indicate that there is a significant relationship between Self-esteem and depression among adolescents. Thus there is a need to improve self-esteem and reduce the incidence of depressive symptoms. These findings can help inform the Organizations, schools and related government departments to design effective programs aimed at improving self-esteem of adolescents and reduce the incidence and prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents.