Emotional intelligence and social support as predictors of depression among undergraduate students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Abstract

The pressure encountered by students’ as a result of academic stress in their day to day activities, sometimes lead to depression. The study investigated roles of emotional intelligence and social support in depression among undergraduates. Participants in this study were 352 students (186 males, 166 females) recruited through convenience sample method, with their age ranging from 18-34 years (Mean = 24.05, SD = 4.14 years). Four hypotheses were postulated and tested. Three instruments were used for data collection; Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale–Revised, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. Pearson correlation was used to test the relationship between variables whereas hierarchical multiple regression was used to analyse predictions. The results showed that social support had positive significant prediction on depression. Therefore, the study concluded that social support serves as a protective factor to depression among undergraduates. The study recommended that Psychologists, social workers, parents should create awareness programs for students teach them about the symptoms of depression and provide a certain degree of social support or intervention for those who are indicative of depression.