PSYCHO-SOCIAL FACTORS PREDISPOSING DEPRESSION AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN UNIVERSITIES IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

This study empirically investigated psychosocial factors predisposing depression among undergraduates in universities in Edo State, Nigeria. The study employed a correlational survey design. The sample size for the study consisted of eight hundred and ninety-six (896) undergraduate students selected from three sampled universities. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire, titled: Psycho-Social Factors Predisposing Depression Among Undergraduates (PSFPDAU). It has eight (8) sections; Section A covers the biodata of the students like sex and university of study, while sections B to H cover items on depression, and psychosocial factors. The result of the study revealed that there was a significant relationship between negative thought patterns, social isolation, sense of hopelessness, stigmatization, financial/economic hardship, academic stress and psychosocial factors with depression. The study recommends that universities should establish robust mental health support systems to help vulnerable students. Institutions should implement anti-stigma campaigns to foster a culture of acceptance and encourage students to seek help without fear of discrimination, among others.