The Influence of Social Support on the Levels of Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Students in Ghana

Abstract

This study examined the impact of social support from family, friends and significant others on the levels depression, anxiety and stress among undergraduate students of University of Ghana.  A total of one hundred and sixty-five (165) students were sampled from all the levels and were administered with standardized questionnaires measuring social support, depression, anxiety and stress. Results from the analysis using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, independent t-test and MANOVA showed that 57% of the respondents reported mild to extremely severe depression, 84% had mild to extremely severe anxiety whilst 49% reported mild to extremely severe stress. The level of depression was significantly predicted by support from friends and significant others, level of anxiety was not significantly predicted by any form of social support whilst level of stress experienced by students was significantly predicted by social support from family. Further analysis showed that significant sex differences exist in the levels of depression, anxiety and stress. However, academic levels of students had a significant effect on level of depression but not on anxiety and stress. It is concluded that students should be encouraged to make use of their counseling and placement centers and peer counselors to help them deal with their psychological issues.

Keywords: Social Support, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Students, Ghana, University