CHRISTIAN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE OF CATANDUANES, Inc.

Rawis, Virac, Catanduanes

CHAPTER 1

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

Christian Polytechnic Institute of Catanduanes (CPIC) is one of the private

educational institution that offers quality education where one of its high rates of

passing is Criminology course. Our research title is all about: Factors that causes

Depression to Criminology students in Christian Polytechnic Institute of

Catanduanes Inc. Some Criminology students, suffers from post-depression and it is

more likely to occur or to be triggered by a number of reasons, such as having

challenges that lower self-esteem, obesity, peer issues, persistent bullying, or

scholastic difficulties. having experienced or seen violence, such as sexual or

physical assault, frequently experience the health issue of depression. However,

there is a dearth of information on this subject, in higher education institutions most

specifically the prevalence of depression where it is crippling and has a negative

impact on students' psychosocial, emotional, interpersonal functioning, in the

academic performance.

Due to its high incidence rates, chronic nature, challenging nature of

treatment, and recovery, depression is a serious mental health concern worldwide. It

has been ranked as one of the four major diseases, because of the severe burden it

places on sufferers, their families, and society as a whole. Diabetes, cancer, heart

disease, and Parkinson's disease are just a few of the illnesses that depression can

lead to. Reduced quality of life, elevated morbidity, and increased mortality are all

associated with depression. Students at universities confront a variety of difficulties,

such as adjusting to independent living, academic stress, and preparing for their

future professions, which puts them at risk for depression. These psychological and

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emotional strains may cause them to engage in high-risk activities including

increasing smoking. Stress, life events, past experiences and genetics all play a part

in determining our mental health. Student life exposes individuals to risk factors

affecting mental health including financial worries, periods of transition, substance

use, parental pressure, culture shock and disconnection from previous supports.

Feeling depressed and anxious often impact students' memory and concentration

due to low mood, feeling hopeless, a lack of energy, reduced cognitive function, and

insufficient sense of coping.

Background of the Study

Depression is a state which a person feels very sad, hopeless and

unimportant and often is unable to live in a normal way. According to Bansal, Gayal,

and Srivastava (2009), a lot of physicians did not believe that depressive disorders

existed in the youth 40 years ago. Nowadays, the youth are very prone to depression

due to many factors that can affect their emotional, mental, psychological state of

mind in their everyday life especially being a student. This study about depression is

quite strange topic because it is very mysterious yet the majority of people especially

in school settings lacks knowledge about this topic.

In the recent time, depression occurred more and more often to almost all of

the teens. The statistics of National Institute of Mental Health (2014) states that

depression is the most often mental disorder that teens and adults in United States

have. According to their study, over 2.8 million youth with age of 12-17 have

experienced at least one major depression.

Another study from faculty.washington.edu (2013) states that depression can

last longer and may last for a year or so. Depression can be triggered in several of

ways like failures, lost loved ones, identity loss, and many more. They clear that not

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everyone who experience these negative events catch on depression. On the

contrary, there are factors that make them vulnerable to into it is a severe mental

disorder that may last longer, but there are some people who can endure it because

they are aware of themselves.

According to World Health Organization-Philippines (2017), in the whole

Philippines alone, they stated that about 3.9 million people are living with depression

and about 3.07million people are living with anxiety. They added that depression is

one of the most leading factors that makes one person to commit suicide. They

further explained that a serious national talk regarding depression in which every

Filipino is engaged is urgently needed. They also concluded on their research that

depression is a mental disorder that spread in a whole wide world and it can affect

our daily living. Unlike many large-scale international problems, a solution for

depression is at our hand.

In addition, the American Psychological Association also known as APA

(2017) defined depression more than just a sadness, but also a mental disorder.

People experience depression because of lack in interest and pleasure in daily

activities, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or excessive sleeping, lack of

energy, inability to concentrate, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and

recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression is a topic that is studied by a lot of researches from time to time

but the past studies failed to explore or interpret the experiences of a youth student

that undergo the process of depression and the themes of it in a classroom setting.

Furthermore, World Health Organization did not specify the age range of people who

suffer from it. The American Psychological Association have failed to elaborate and

further explain the definition of depression. They only stated the reason behind `1-

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`depression. It focuses more on the people who are grown up. They did not mention

about the teenagers that experience the depression. Anyone can be a victim of

depression as suggested to a related study, it can be a teen or an adult. That study

failed to explain the difference of experiences between the teen and adult

depression. Literature also missed to fill the gap about what do victims of depression

do lessen the problem or mental disorder they have. In addition, this research will

also serve as an instrument to view the experiences of a depressed youth student

and the themes behind it and explain the possible reasons on how a person or a

youth student can solve his/her situation.

Depression is one of the emotional problems, and hopelessness and

helplessness are its main causes. Depression is a prevalent problem among

college's students across the world and it effect on a students’ ability to perform

activities

of daily life. Depression is marked by sad feelings among college students which are

known as a common mental illness." National Institute of Mental Health found that

during their college life many students experience the first symptoms of depression.

Depressed Students often feel sad and reductions in academic performance.

Untreated depression usually interferes in day-to-day activities and lasts for a long

time. Depressed people ignore their own successes and good traits, while

exaggerating their faults and failures. Student’s Academic performance which every

individual has to perform in all cultures has become an important goal of the

educational process. Student’s personality, education, motivation, mental health and

training also effect academic performance. College life can be called a significant

transition period, where students experience many things first-time, in, for example

new lifestyle, exposure to new cultures, friends, roommates, different ways of

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thinking and also deal with a unique amount of stress. Two first years in college can

be very stressful time for many students. When students cannot manage these new

first experiences, they become depressed. There are negative effects of depression

on student success. Student’s success is negatively related with depression, and

depressed students exposed lower average point and spend minimum time on

homework.

Conceptual Framework

DEPRESSION

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

The study seeks to explore the realities of Factors that causes Depression to

Criminology students in Christian Polytechnic Institute of Catanduanes Inc. by

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viewing the information from individuals in their experiences about depression of

students in CPIC. The connection of these concepts in literature and studies

eventually provides the bases on how they exist and emerge on the lives of the

participants. This framework therefore uses these relationships and connections to

describe the people’s live experiences to establish the truth.

Theoretical Framework

Figure 2 Thematic Diagram

This study about Factors that causes Depression to Criminology students in

Christian Polytechnic Institute of Catanduanes Inc. has a result that shows 3 main

themes which are: Ways to Cope Up with Depression, Causes of Depression, and

Effects of Depression. The categories that are under the first main theme (Ways to

Cope Up with Depression) are crying, praying, finding friends, finding a happy place,

and finding a new hobby. The second main theme (Causes of Depression) also has

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categories under it which are family problems, school works, loneliness, high

expectations, and overthinking.

The categories of the third main theme (Effects of Depression) are: feeling of

giving up with 3 sub categories (suicidal thoughts, paranoia, and suicidal attempts),

overthinking with 4 sub categories (secretive, irritable, emotional breakdown, and

afraid to be judged) change of mood with 4 sub categories (self-harming, being

forgetful, violent thoughts, and unclear thoughts) and feeling of self-worthlessness

with 3 sub categories (feels like a burden to others, weight loss, and attention

seeking actions). After analyzing the results, the researchers therefore conclude that

depression has different causes and effects on students. On the other hand, there is

still a lot of ways to cope up with depression.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to know the Factors that causes Depression to Criminology

students in Christian Polytechnic Institute of Catanduanes Inc., it sought answer to

the following questions.

1. What is the socio-demographic profile of Criminology Students?

2. What are the ways to cope up the depression?

3. What are the causes of depression?

4. What are the effects of Depression?

Hypothesis

This study posed the hypothesis that there is a significant relationship

between socio-demographic profile and the factors that causes depression to

Criminology students in CPIC Inc.

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Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study investigated the Factors that causes Depression to Criminology

students in Christian Polytechnic Institute of Catanduanes Inc. The Socio-

demographic profile of every (10) students per year level taking up BS in

Criminology.

Significance of the Study

This study aims to understand the depression on youth among students

through exploratory research design to discover the factors affecting their

psychological and mental aspects and also to know what causes them to be

emotionally compromised that leads to a depressive state. In addition, the study

seeks to have an in depth understanding on how they cope with anxiety.

This study will utilize a semi-structured interview to uncover the answers to

our questions regarding youth depression and the reasons within. It will also offer

ideas to people especially who’s suffering from depression and as well to provide

awareness to the students themselves. Finally, recommendations are identified to

help researchers, parents, educators, and for everyone who plays an important role

regarding on this matter.

Depression and associated mental disorders can have a profound effect on all

aspects of life, including performance at school, productivity at work, relationships

with family and friends, and ability to participate in the community.

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The study of depression focuses on neuroscience, reflecting the essential

characteristics of depression as a category of mental illness and better reflecting the

fact that depression is an important link in the human public health care.

All ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups are vulnerable to depression,

and it has very high personal, social and economic costs. Depression is also a major

cause of death, particularly in young people, through suicide.

Depression is considered as a mental illness causing an individual to feel

such severe uncomfortableness to themselves such as guilt and sadness that often

leads to suicidal thoughts. It also has no medical cause and a specific effect. The

researchers found out codes turned into categories and hence using a semi-

structured interview. The researchers will get the results with this code and discuss

the outcome of the interview.

Definition of Terms

The following term are used in the study. For the purposes of clarity and

understandability, these terms are defined either conceptually or operationally.

Depression- Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, it is

estimated that 5% of adults suffer from the disorder. It is characterized by persistent

sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable

activities. It can also disturb sleep and appetite. Tiredness and poor concentration

are common.

Factors of Depression- Many factors increase the risk of developing or

triggering teen depression, including: Having issues that negatively impact self-

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esteem, such as obesity, peer problems, long-term bullying or academic problems.

Having been the victim or witness of violence, such as physical or sexual abuse.

Socio-Demographic Profile- Socio-demographic variables include, for

example, age, sex, education, migration background and ethnicity, religious

affiliation, marital status, household, employment, and income. Different index

variables are formed on the basis of socio-demographic variables.

Criminology Students- Criminology is the study of crime. Students who

major in criminology learn about the causes of crime related to biology, psychology,

or social factors like socioeconomic status. These majors examine crime in different

places, ranging from neighborhoods to other countries.

CPIC- Christian Polytechnic Institute of Catanduanes, is an internationally

recognized institution. The Christian Polytechnic Institute of Catanduanes has been

officially accredited. The Management of the Christian Polytechnic Institute of

Catanduanes has released Courses of the Institution online. Below is the list of high-

quality courses on offer at Christian Polytechnic Institute of Catanduanes.

W.H.O Philippines- The Philippines has been an active Member State of

WHO, and is the home of the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. The

country has played a critical role in shaping development agendas, including the

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the spirit of the SDGs, the country

cooperation strategy focuses on leaving no one behind and enhancing collaboration

for health to move the Philippines closer to universal health coverage. The work of

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WHO and the Department of Health will focus on five strategic priorities: saving lives,

promoting well-being, protecting health, optimizing the health architecture and using

platforms for health.

For WHO, this strategy paves the way for a new level of collaboration with the

Philippines – as a focused, transparent and committed partner that supports the

country in making health a priority across programmed and sectors. Government

departments and United Nations agencies, multilateral and bilateral partners and civil

society groups have contributed to the development of this strategy.

Acronyms

Depression- Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, it is

estimated that 5% of adults suffer from the disorder. It is characterized by persistent

sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable

activities. It can also disturb sleep and appetite. Tiredness and poor concentration

are common.

Factors of Depression- Many factors increase the risk of developing or

triggering teen depression, including: Having issues that negatively impact self-

esteem, such as obesity, peer problems, long-term bullying or academic problems.

Having been the victim or witness of violence, such as physical or sexual abuse.

Socio-Demographic Profile- Socio-demographic variables include, for

example, age, sex, education, migration background and ethnicity, religious

affiliation, marital status, household, employment, and income. Different index

variables are formed on the basis of socio-demographic variables.

Relevance of the Related Literature and Studies to the Present Study

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“Depressive symptoms among young adults in the Philippines: Results

from a nationwide cross-sectional survey”

The Philippines lacks epidemiological data on depression among young

adults. About 1 in 10 Filipino young adults experience moderate to severe

depression. The prevalence of moderate to severe depression in Filipino young

adults is higher among females than males. Less education, residence in urban

areas, and marital problems are significant predictors of moderate to severe

depression. Moderate to severe depression is significantly associated with suicidal

ideation.

Data were from a 2013 nationwide probability survey of 19,017 respondents,

age 15–24. Depressive symptoms were assessed using a 12-item version of the

Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. The distribution of

depressive symptoms was examined using descriptive statistics and the adjusted

and unadjusted association between sociodemographic factors, suicidal ideation,

and moderate to severe depressive symptoms were estimated using log-binomial

regression. Up to 8.9% (95% CI=8.3–9.6) of young Filipino adults experience

moderate to severe depressive symptoms and the prevalence is higher in females

(10.2%) than males (7.6%). The symptom most often experienced in the general

population was “not enjoying life”, while “loneliness” was the most frequently

reported symptom in those with moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The

prevalence of moderate to severe depressive symptoms was higher in those with

less education, persons who were separated/widowed/divorced, and residents in

urban areas. Those with moderate to severe depressive symptoms are about twice

more likely to experience suicidal ideation.

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Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies anchored

from foreign and local sources. These are deemed relevant since these will

substantiate the results of the study conducted.

Foreign Literature

This chapter presents a closer point of view in the research’s related

literature, theoretical foundation and a shorter survey of related studies on

Depression Among Students in Meycauayan National High School. These will give a

foundation for the systematic analyses that will make the findings, conclusions and

recommendations of the research.

The word “depression” is defined as “sadness” and as a “medical illness”, a

combination of such symptoms like a change of mood, physical symptoms like

changes in sleep, energy, appetite, a person’s degree of confidence also self-

esteem. Depression is also correlated with abuse of substances, unemployment,

early pregnancy, and educational failures that can lead people to commit suicide.

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Apparently, it is unusual or unlikely that someone who’s having a hardship from

depression to be noticed and managed (ADAP, 2007).

Additionally, Hoerman (2013) claims that depression during the belief of the

1970’s is an ailment of adulthood and that children and adolescents do not

experiences is now long gone. It has already been measured or evaluated that

depression is a form of mental illness that affects most of the adolescents with

prevalence rates between ten and twenty percent. The National Institute of Mental

Health has disclosed statistically a compelling variation across age and gender in the

lifetime prevalence of mood disorders, including depression, for adolescents 13 to

18.

Another study on the topic by Pappas (2015), teenage depression is

somehow connected to cyber bullying in social media according to new researches

that study different online phenomena. Number of people who examines the victims

of cyber bullying increases especially when news of suicide occurs. Teenagers use

social media more often this day according to Michele Hamm, but the effects of it in

one’s health is still unknown. It is most likely for teens to experience depression in

their adulthood when they are being bullied.

Early work by Renata and Jacek (2010) shows that an epidemiological

appraisal of depression during the adolescence age was always been a challenging

issue since the late studies during the 60’s and 70’s. Angold disclosed that the

reasons behind the gap between prevalence indexes should be looked for in the

different therapeutic ways, diagnostic tools used, as well as where the information

came from. He also discussed the crucial problem of the imprecise meaning of

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adolescent depression as a mental disorder and until now, the problem hasn’t been

solved yet.

Depression is an illness that intervene with a person’s functional ability. The

characteristics of depression can be from the feeling of boredom, irritability, and the

inability to feel pleasure instead of sadness. Depression cases that it is not treated

can last over 7 to 9 months and most likely occur again in adulthood. Symptoms of

depression are most likely to be found in children and adolescents that is why it is

hard to figure out the signs of depression. Depression affects the daily activities of

both children and adolescents. Both male and female child have the same

prevalence rate of depression but there is a sudden increase in female rate when

they reach the stage of puberty. There are also many factors that promotes the

development of depression in children and adolescents such as genetic and biologic

vulnerability, environmental factors, negative life events, and personality,

temperament, and vulnerability of the child (Ranttila & Shrestha, 2011).

In addition, a study in the University of Missouri stated that any form of social

media can be a source of depression depending on how a person use it. Using it as

a tool for surveillance to check on others may lead to the feeling of depression. By

doing this, you compare your own situation to your friend’s situation like having a

vacation, relationship, achievements, etc. This leads you to envy them and can lead

you to depression. A tip for those people who experience this kind of envy is that the

post you have seen is customized to show the positive side of their lives (Liu, 2015).

However, adolescents’ depression has no specific cause. Mayo clinic

explains that there are many factors that lead to depression. First is the difference in

the brain, adolescents have different brain structure than the adults. A depressed

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teen can also have a different amount of hormone and neurotransmitters that helps

their brain cells to connect and is one responsible for regulating moods and

behavior. The second one is traumatic early life events, children don’t have enough

experience to handle such a traumatic event in their lives like loss of a parent or

physical, emotional or sexual abuse and these can leave a lasting effect that can

contribute to their depression. The third one is inherited traits, research shows that if

a child or adolescent have a family member who is depressed, and it is most like for

them to have it also. The last one is learned patterns of negative thinking, teens

always think in a bad way like thinking of themselves as helpless instead of thinking

of how to solve a problem and this can also develop into depression (Krans, 2016).

The factors that leads to depression in youth specifically in students can be

inherited, also because of stress in social interaction (A. Thapar, Collishaw, Pine, &

A.K Thapar, 2012). Additionally, in the study of 2005, an early article about stress

that also leads to depression is categorized by feelings of tension, frustration, too

much worrying, and sadness (Walker 2005; ADAP, 2007; Ranttila & Shrestha, 2017).

Because of that, depression are severe and lasts longer that have been categorized

by extreme feelings of hopelessness, sadness, isolation and worthlessness that lasts

for two weeks or more (Walker, 2005; ADAP 2007). There many factors that may

lead a students to be depressed, this is also as true as the articles that has been

stated, a student may feel depressed when he/she experience loneliness in his/her

current state because of those factors and the most severe effects of depression is

an attempt or to commit suicide, most young people who experience depression are

at high risk in attempting suicide than the young ones who do not experience

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depression, however, not all youth who are depressed are attempting to commit

suicide, this statement has been explained by Walker (2005) as:

"These young people report exhibiting much more anger and

ventilation; avoidance and passivity; and aggressive, antisocial behavior.

They describe yelling, fighting and complaining; drinking, smoking and using

doctor-prescribed drugs more frequently; and sleeping, riding around in cars

and crying more often. They are less inclines to do things with their family or

to go along with parents' rules and requests" (p.4).

In addition, (2010), she stated that "All students are entitled to an education in

a positive environment" but a problem can go in the way of students to pursue their

educational attainment especially if it can deal some serious effect in terms of

psychological and their whole being. Previous conducted researches showed high

rates of students' psychological problems like anxiety, and depression are widely

spread in universities in the world (Al-Qaisy, 2011). Depression can cause negative

effects on a student's education(Kurt D. Michael, Timothy J. Hueisman, Claudia

Gerard, Theresa M. Gilligan, & Melissa R. Gustafson, 2006), and psychological

unhealthiness (Al-Qaisy, 2011).

Local Literature

“Depressive symptoms among young adults in the Philippines: Results

from a nationwide cross-sectional survey”

The Philippines lacks epidemiological data on depression among young

adults. About 1 in 10 Filipino young adults experience moderate to severe

depression. The prevalence of moderate to severe depression in Filipino young

adults is higher among females than males. Less education, residence in urban

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areas, and marital problems are significant predictors of moderate to severe

depression. Moderate to severe depression is significantly associated with suicidal

ideation.

Data were from a 2013 nationwide probability survey of 19,017 respondents,

age 15–24. Depressive symptoms were assessed using a 12-item version of the

Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. The distribution of

depressive symptoms was examined using descriptive statistics and the adjusted

and unadjusted association between sociodemographic factors, suicidal ideation,

and moderate to severe depressive symptoms were estimated using log-binomial

regression. Up to 8.9% (95% CI=8.3–9.6) of young Filipino adults experience

moderate to severe depressive symptoms and the prevalence is higher in females

(10.2%) than males (7.6%). The symptom most often experienced in the general

population was “not enjoying life”, while “loneliness” was the most frequently

reported symptom in those with moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The

prevalence of moderate to severe depressive symptoms was higher in those with

less education, persons who were separated/widowed/divorced, and residents in

urban areas. Those with moderate to severe depressive symptoms are about twice

more likely to experience suicidal ideation.

Foreign Studies

According to Kaufman (2013), “depression has been relatively neglected in

special education research, even though it’s become clear that depression is closely

related to a variety of other disorders, and to academic and social difficulties” (p.

295). Childhood depression may also be accompanied by other disorders such as:

anxiety disorders, conduct disorders, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, learning

isabilities, school failure, and has also been found to afect some children with autism

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(Kaufman, 2013). Children may also exhibit inappropriate conduct such as:

aggression, stealing, and social withdrawal (Kaufman, 2013). Weight gain or loss

may also be observed. It is important to note that there are two main groups of

causes of depression, biological and environmental, with social and environmental

being the most prevalent (Lebrun, 2007; McKnew, Cytryn, & Yahraes, 1983).

School connectedness. Shochet, Dadds, Ham and Montague (2006) conducted a

sampling of 2,022 students (999 boys and 1,023 girls) ages 12 to 14 twice, at

intervals of twelve months apart to determine if school connectedness was a factor in

adolescent depressive symptoms. School connectedness was described as school

engagement, bonding, and attachment as students begin to rely less on family and

more on extrafamilial relationships found in friends (Goodenow, 1993). School

connectedness accounted for 13% to 18% of the emotional distress in various age

groups (Resnick et al., 1997) although there has been little research on the relation

between school connectedness and anxiety and depression symptoms in

adolescents (Shochet et al., 2006). Overall, school connectedness predicted future

mental health problems, rather than mental health problems predicting future school

connectedness (Shochet et al., 2006). Self-worth is also a risk factor for depression

in youth. It is important to analyses self-worth contingencies before depressive

symptoms surface in early adolescence (Burwell & Shirk, 2006). Rumination. Nolen-

Hoeksema (1991) posited that, “rumination, a cognitive style that involves passively

brooding about one’s mood, would lead to increases in depressive symptoms, while

distraction and problem-solving would lead to decreases in symptoms” (p. 545).

Rumination has been identified as a risk factor for the development of depressive

symptoms in adolescents and those who engage in rumination worry excessively but

passively about their depression (Hilt, McLaughlin & Nolen-Hoeksema, 2010; Nolen-

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Hoeksema, 1994). Ruminative responses appear to interfere with individuals’ ability

to generate solutions while accessing negative thought and memories, which

enhances the depressed mood

(Nolen-Hoeksema, 1994). Parents. Parents who become hostile and critical when

their children are experiencing problems might impact their child’s sense of inability

to solve problems and decrease their enthusiasm (NolenHoeksema, Wolfson,

Mumme, & Guskin, 1995). When a child reacts with frustration to a task, a parent

may also become frustrated and perhaps hostile (Nolen-Hoeksema et al., 1995).

Some studies also show that children of mothers who have depression are at risk for

developing a sense of learned helpless- 37 Hayden (2016) ness (Nolen-Hoeksema

et al., 1995). Conversely, parents who were over-restrictive and controlled their

children’s opportunities for decision making had children who were more passive and

withdrawn from difcult social situations (Baumrind, 1973). Marital confict and poverty

can also negatively afect the child and the mother (Hammen, Adrian, Gordon, Burge,

Jaenicke, & Hiroto, 1987). Gender. Te Response Styles Teory (Just & Alloy, 1997)

was used to explain the diferences in rumination amongst men and women. Te

theory suggests that women are more likely to ruminate than men while men are

more likely to use distraction or problem-solve (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1987, 1991).

Nearly one in five adolescents will experience a major depressive episode in

their teen years with females twice as likely to sufer from depression (Crisp,

Gudmundsen, & Shirk, 2006). Hilt et al., (2010) concluded that, “lthough some

research indicates that girls are more likely to report using a ruminative response

style compared to boys, gender diferences in the tendency to distract and problem-

solve haverarely been examined in youth” (p. 547).

Local Studies

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Depression has recently become the leading cause of disability worldwide

(World Health Organization, 2017). In high-income countries, such as the US, UK

and Canada, its economic impact is staggering, both in terms of productivity losses

and direct health care costs (Greenberg et al., 2015; Conference Board of Canada,

2016; Thomas and Morris, 2003). Left untreated, the condition can cause significant

suffering to individuals and their families. In many high-income countries, such as in

the US and Canada, evidence-based treatments are largely available; but, gaps in

the quality of care persists as a large proportion of people with depression receive

mental health care that do not meet the most basic criteria for treatment adequacy

(Thornicroft et al., 2017; Puyat et al., 2016).

In low income countries, such as the Philippines, depression is also a leading cause

of disability. A report released by the World Health Organization has estimated that

the overall prevalence of depression in the Philippines is 3.3%, (World Health

Organization, 2017) suggesting that about 3.3 million Filipinos are experiencing

depressive symptoms based on the 2015 population estimate (Philippine Statistics

Authority, 2016). Depression was also ranked as the 8th single largest cause of

disability in the country (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2017). The large

number of individuals and families affected by depression raises serious concerns

about the state of mental health care in the country given the limited availability of

tertiary care facilities, severe shortage of mental health professionals, and the

inadequate capacity of the primary health care system to manage mental health

issues (Lally et al., 2019b; WHO and Department of Health, 2006).

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It is likely that the issues associated with depression and its consequences are even

greater in the young adult Filipino population since depression has been reported

elsewhere to have the highest prevalence among individuals who are between the

ages of 15 to 25 (Hedden et al., 2015; Statistics Canada, Health Statistics Division,

2014). The severity of the problem, however, is largely unknown, as there is

currently no estimate, based on large epidemiological data, of the prevalence of

depression on this segment of the Philippine population. Identifying who in this age

group are experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms and

understanding their characteristics are particularly important as they are the group

more likely to have persistent symptoms (Gustavson et al., 2018; Rushton et al.,

2002) and consequently more likely to require ongoing treatment, support and other

related services.

This study was conducted to help address current gaps in knowledge about

depressive symptoms among young adults in the Philippines. The specific objectives

of this study are to: 1) estimate the prevalence of moderate to severe depressive

symptoms; 2) identify the most frequently reported depressive symptoms in those

with moderate to severe depressive symptoms; 3) examine the socio-demographic

characteristics associated with moderate to severe depressive symptoms; and, 4)

estimate the association between moderate to severe depressive symptoms and

suicide ideation.

Depression can be prevented if its symptoms are addressed early and

effectively. Prevention against depression among university students is rare in the

Philippines, but is urgent because of the rising rates of suicide among the group.

Evidence is needed to systematically identify and assist students with higher levels

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of depressive symptoms. We carried out a survey to determine the social and

demographic factors associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms among

2,436 Filipino university students. The University Students Depression Inventory with

measures on lethargy, cognition-emotion, and academic motivation, was used. Six of

the 11 factors analyzed were found to be statistically significantly associated with

more intense levels of depressive symptoms. These factors were: frequency of

smoking, frequency of drinking, not living with biological parents, dissatisfaction with

one’s financial condition, level of closeness with parents, and level of closeness with

peers. Sex, age category, course category, year level and religion were not

significantly related. In identifying students with greater risk for depression,

characteristics related to lifestyle, financial condition, parents and peers are crucial.

There is a need to carry out more surveys to develop the pool of local knowledge on

student depression.

Chapter 3

Method of Research and Procedure

This chapter presents the research method, population and sampling scheme,

description of respondents, research instrument, validation of the instruments,

procedures in gathering data and statistical treatment of data.

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Research Methodology

This study aims to understand the depression on youth among students

through exploratory research design to discover the factors affecting their

psychological and mental aspects and also to know what causes them to be

emotionally compromised that leads to a depressive state. In addition, the study

seeks to have an in depth understanding on how they cope with anxiety.

This study will utilize a semi-structured interview to uncover the answers to

our questions regarding youth depression and the reasons within. It will also offer

ideas to people especially who’s suffering from depression and as well to provide

awareness to the students themselves. Finally, recommendations are identified to

help researchers, parents, educators, and for everyone who plays an important role

regarding on this matter.

Population and Sampling Scheme

Purposive sampling was used in this study. This study was limited only to (40)

students from different year levels in CPIC BS Criminology, who will participated in

the survey. It is informed however, that there are 400 (plus) students enrolled in

CPIC.

Research Instruments

The study treads on a qualitative exploratory research design utilizing all

Criminology Students at CPIC using semi-structured interviews either through

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Facebook Messenger or journal sheets in an iterative or simultaneous data gathering

procedure. The researchers code the data to form categories and later reduces the

data into themes to explain the live experiences of the participants in both graphical

and verbal form.

Validation of Instruments

The questionnaire was the main instrument used to gather the data. It has

three parts. The first part contained the socio-demographic profile of the students.

Name, Age, gender and educational attainment. Second part is questioning 1. What

are the ways to cope up the depression? 2. What are the causes of depression?

What are the effects of Depression?

After incorporating the suggestions gleaned from the face validity of the

questionnaire, copies are reproduced for the pre and post- test. A letter citing the

academic purpose of the study during the pre-and post -test and the final inquiry

accompanied the questionnaire administered to the two groups of the respondents

Data Gathering Procedure

The draft of the questionnaire was presented to the panel members and

research adviser and some professors in Department of Criminology CPIC, this was

the face validation phase of the study.

Statistical Treatment of Data

Descriptive statistics such as frequency count, weighted mean, percentage

and rank were used in analyzing the data for this study. Frequency count was used

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in tallying responses. The weighted mean was used in determining the relation of

frequencies under different variables in relation to the whole. Rank was used in

discerning the relativity (i. e., higher or lower) of the recorded weighted means from

each of the different items.

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