RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCHOOL CLIMATE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS

THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT

Abstract

The study investigated the mediating role of perceived social support on the relationship between the school climate and psychological distress. The participants were 200 undergraduates with mean age of 20.00, SD =1.20 (males = 100 and females = 100) selected from a private and public university in Anambra State of South Eastern Nigeria. Scales measuring psychological distress, perceived social support, and school climate were used to collect data in a study that utilized a combination of cross-sectional and predictive designs. The results showed that there were significant correlations among the study variables and the independent factors significantly predicted the outcome variable. Also the social support subscales (significant others, friends support and family support) mediated the relationship between the school climate and psychological distress. The findings have implications for government and university proprietors were by social support should be part of the school climate to possibly reduce psychological distress.