PERCEPTION OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TOWARDS

DEPRESSION

A Qualitative Research Paper

Presented to
The Faculty of Senior High School
Fatima National High School
General Santos City

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Subject
Practical Research 1

by
James M. Fabillar
Cyrene Mae E. Bantilan
Arjelyn A. Enero
Noraida K. Umbag

February 2020
 CHAPTER l

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Depression, in our time, is a very pressing problem that affects society. It

tends to change not just the mental state of a person but also his or her

emotional and physical health. None can be excused from experiencing it since

depression affects people of all ages. And in this era where academic

achievement is seen to be an indicator of success, students are most likely to

experience depression, being plagued with pressures to meet grade cut-offs, the

volume of materials to be learned, and time management.

According to Beiter, et al. (2014), stress is an unavoidable part of life;

however, it is becoming more common among college students. Also, depression

can affect college life to such an extent that comprehensive research is essential

to help future students. Academic is a definite challenge for every student. Still, if

an increase in learning competency that is needed is taken negatively, this stress

can be harmful to a student’s mental health. Besides, the World Health

Organization also estimated that significant depression caused more disability

worldwide in 1990 than ischemic heart disease or cerebrovascular disease.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Labrague (2014) states that despite the

benefits students get from social media use such as instant and wide-scope

communication, concerns arose from its negative impacts on the well-being of an

adolescent. With all of these in mind, it is essential that a study that aims to
determine how students perceive depression is carried out in our society. As a

result, this study was conducted.

The researchers considered the fact that depression is a recent issue and

needs to be addressed. There is a growing concern regarding depression, which

is why having a research about it will be advantageous to our society, particularly

to learning institutions. As this study examined students’ perceptions, the school

administration will have a clear and more in-depth understanding of depression

among learners.

Statement of the Problem

This study was conducted to examine the perception of the SHS students on

depression. Specifically, the researchers desired to answer the following:

1. What are the perceptions of students on depression?

2. What are the commonalities of the students’ perception of depression?

3. What are the differences in the students’ perception of depression?

Hypothesis

Students perceive that depression has no significant impact on the lives of

students, even in their academic and social lives.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study was to address depression among students and to

know how they view and what they know about depression. This study aimed to

identify how Senior High School students of Fatima National High School

perceive depression. It is highly imperative to know the students’ perception

towards depression so that people who are concerned with combating

depression, particularly those in schools, can address the problem. Also,

studying depression will spread awareness regarding the issue. To better put into

perspective, it is vital to investigate the insights of the senior high school students

as regards to depression. Thus, this study was conducted.

Significance of the study

Nowadays, students are undergoing pressures in their academic life that may

trigger depression. Enough understanding of this issue should be disseminated

so that its effects that even include suicide can be avoided. The findings of this

study would serve a significant role in the:

To the school administration, they will be familiarized with the students’

perception of depression. From this, the guidance can formulate programs that

will give students enough awareness about the possible effects of the said issue,

its prevention, and even information that will fully keep their selves away from

depression if they are already experiencing it.

To the teachers, this will make them conscious of what approach will be

administered to the students so that they would have a better realization of the
issue of depression. In discussing a severe problem like depression, the

employment of an appropriate approach requires extraordinary consciousness.

To the students, this will help them identify matters regarding depression and its

effects. They will be aware of the things to avoid depression. Avoidance of doing

so will ensure that students, considering different situations they can encounter,

will live in a healthy and positive life.

To the researcher, this research paper may enlighten them to conduct further

study on topics related to this piece. This study will also enhance their skills in

grammar, research-making, and their awareness of societal issues.

Scope and Delimitations

The respondents of this study are 20 senior high school students of Fatima

National High School (10 from Grade 11 and 10 from Grade 12). The data that

will be gathered are only their perceptions about depression since this is

qualitative research.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter includes foreign and local literature and studies related to the

topic. It also presents the synthesis and relevance of the gathered documents for

a clear and concise understanding of the study.

Related Literature

Depression

One of the most common mental illness in the world is depression; it is

also the primary issue regarding health (Sarokhani et al., 2013). The problems in

a student’s mental state are a problem globally, and it comprises both developed

and non-developed societies, including modern and traditional (Bayram & Bilgel,

2008). Young people are being challenged by a lot of contradictions and

pressure to succeed, especially at university (Arslan, Ayranci, Unsal & Arslants,

2009).

Depression has something to do with the sick wellbeing of a particular

person, and it most likely leads to suicide. The most common causes of

depression among teenagers are a family history of depression and psychosocial

stress. Different psychosocial variety combines with inherited risks,

developmental factors, and sex hormones to increase risk through perturbed

neural pathways and hormonal aspects (Thapar, 2012).

Today, there is still no adequate solution to aid depression and

development in understanding the neurobiology of depression is quite slow;

however, hypotheses about depression and antidepressant action. On the other

hand, there are sure advances that will gradually develop the cure and

prevention of depression and that is by understanding the neurobiological aspect

of depression that requires identification of the genes of a particular person that

makes it vulnerable or resistant to the disease (Nestler et al., 2002).

Major depression is a widespread disease that acutely limits one’s

psychosocial functioning, fand it decreases the quality of life. In 2008, major

depression was recorded by the World Health Organization as the third reason

for the burden of diseases globally and prognosticated to be ranked first by the

year 2030. Further, there are still some challenges for clinicians like its practice,

diagnosis, detection, and management because of its numerous presentations,

unpredictable prognosis, and variable response to treatment (Malhi J. and Mann

G., 2018).

Depression is the emotional expression of a state of ego-helplessness

and ego-powerlessness to fulfill actively maintained egoism. The fact that

depression is a primary ego reaction to situations of narcissistic frustration does

not invalidate accepted theories of the role of orality and aggression in

depression (Bibring, 2016).

Connecting with others for help, signaling yielding in a hierarchy conflict,

improving disengagement from commitments to unachieved goals, and

controlling patterns of investment are some of the many ways portrayed for

depression prevention (Nesse, 2000).

Effects of Depression towards teenagers or students

The mental illness called depression is the third leading cause of death

among adolescents between ages 15-24 years, and it is a crucial health problem.

It is one of the most cited biological and psychosocial risk factors for suicide

(Galaif, et., al, 2007).

Depressed learners also feel sad and decrease in educational

performance. Untreated depression typically overlaps with and lasts for a long

time in day-to-day tasks. Depressed people, while exaggerating their flaws and

defeats, neglect their accomplishments and successful characteristics. (Khurshid,

2015).

Prevalence of depression among teenagers

While young adulthood marks rapid intellectual and social growth, college-

age people are also frequently subjected to a situation that put them at risk of

psychiatric disorders

Students happy with their learning reported lower levels of depression,

anxiety, and stress than those not pleased. Conclusions: Alarming is the high

prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students.

Depression is a mental disorder that affects the capacity of a person to perform

life activities like those that the job needs (Hysenbegasi, 2005).
Related Studies

By the study conducted by the World Health Organization, mental and

behavioral diseases are not limited to a particular group because of people in

different regions, including countries and all societies. According to the report of

WHO in 2001, it was estimated that about 450 million people suffer from mental

disorders. While one-fifth of adolescents under the age of 18 years are

experiencing developmental, emotional, or behavioral problems, one among

eight has a mental disorder; among disadvantaged children, the rate is one out of

five.

Unipolar depressive disorder in teenagers is prevalent globally; however,

it is often unseen. The situation that is more noticeable among girls increases

sharply after puberty, and, by the end of adolescence, the prevalence rate in 1-

year is higher than 4. The burden is most considerable in low-income and

middle-income countries (Thapar et al., 2012).

A survey of adolescents’ knowledge about depression that was conducted

by Hess on December 2004 stated that depression and suicide among teenagers

are primarily public health concerns. Suicide prevention and education in high

schools are not well understood also. In connection with that, the Adolescent

Depression Awareness Program or ADAP was developed to provide immediate

action on education regarding depression and to have an effective medium in

decreasing the morbidity and mortality concerning adolescent depression.

Adolescents’ prior knowledge of depression was analyzed to develop curriculum

development. The survey was administered to 5.645 high school students

between 1999 and 2003. And in conclusion, students had baseline knowledge of

depression facts but had gaps in terms of their education regarding its treatment

and symptom identification.

Among adolescents, 1-6% are affected by a depressive disorder each

year worldwide. And there are available proven and effective treatments. Still,

practice for best treatment is controversial because of factors about the use of

the antidepressant in youth and inconsistencies in the evidence. This review

gives guidance for non-specialists regarding the assessment and management of

unipolar depression among adolescents and considers combined evidence on

prevention strategies (Thapar et. Al., 2004).

Suicide risk in the group of adolescents is connected with familial

adaptability and suicidal ideation by close relatives. So they must be integrated

into the prevention programs for suicide risk among adolescents (Pavez, 2009).

Among 15-24-year-olds, suicide is the third leading cause of death. Pre-

identification and solutions are essential to prevent suicide. And education about

depression is a potential intervention for developing knowledge regarding

depression and help-seeking behavior.

A program named the Adolescent Depression Awareness Program is a

school-based education of depression with a central message that mental illness

called depression is possible to be treated. A school-based educational

intervention develops knowledge regarding depression and behavior toward

help-seeking in adolescents. Future studies should observe if changes in

understanding lead to help-seeking behaviors (Ruble et. Al., 2013).

According to the study that was conducted in Malaysia, 11.10%, 10.00%,

and 9.50% of the students reported that they were experiencing severe

depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. There were significant correlations

and relationships if we talked about depression, anxiety, and stress with suicidal

ideation.

But among all, depression was the only one recognized as a predictor for

suicidal ideation. Hence, because of the study, the part of depression among

adolescents in the Malaysian context was predicted. Thus, the findings stated

that teenagers should be guided in strengthening their coping strategies in

managing distress to decrease depression and suicide risk (Ibrahim et al., 2014).

The studies suggest a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among

medical students, with levels of overall psychological distress consistently higher

than in the general population and age-matched peers by the later years of

training. Overall, the studies suggest psychological distress may be higher

among female students (Dyrbye,2006).

With average rates of psychological distress being consistently higher

than in the general population and peers being mirrored by the latter years of

training, the conclusions suggest that depression in medical students is in high

incidence. Ultimately, the studies indicate that among female student’s

psychological distress may be higher.

 The study that was conducted in the school of Taiwan gives overall

findings that depression is a significant consequence of school violence in

Taiwan and that its effect on students' depression is intervened by positive peer

support (Chen, 2011).

Theoretical Framework

This study focuses on depression, the factors causing it, its effect on

teenagers, its prevalence, and, most importantly, students' perception of it.

Students’ Perception on Depression

Factors that causes depression

Prevalence of Depression to teenagers
Effects of Depression to Teenagers

Figure 1. Theoretical Framework

 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methods that were used in the conduct of this

study. Included are the discussions of qualitative research, the strategy of

inquiry, the questionnaires, participants, and method of data analysis. This study

determined the perceptions of senior high school students of depression.

Research Design

This research was qualitative in nature. The researchers employed a

phenomenological type of research design. It aimed to explore the perceptions of

students towards depression. The researchers’ research design allowed them to

delve into the perceptions, perspectives, understandings, and feelings of senior

high school students towards depression.

Strategy of Inquiry

In this research, every student had their own perspective regarding

depression. This study discussed and examined the opinions and point of views

of students towards depression. The strategy of inquiry of this study

acknowledged every respondent’s perception. Hence, the researchers came up

with a comprehensive result.

The Questionnaires

The questionnaire, which was made by the researchers, was used in this

study (see Appendix A). The questionnaire had questions which were indicators

for the respondents’ perception towards depression.

Respondents

Under purposive sampling, the respondents in this study were given a

questionnaire. Those who agreed to be interviewed underwent an in-depth

question and answer session with the researchers. The interview was based on

qualitative research method which aimed to find in-depth knowledge, idea,

opinion, and perspective from the students. The interview protocol was made by

the researchers.

Interview with the respondents and data gathering

The researchers used the semi-structured interview (see Appendix B) to

understand the point of view of the students who agreed to undergo an in-depth

interview. A collection of statements was used during the semi-structured, in-

depth interviews to direct opportunities in exploring the subject. Perceptions of

the participants were elicited and registered. With the respondents' permission,

their voices were recorded and were transcribed verbatim. The researchers took

some notes to help with accuracy in the transcription, but the note-taking was

minimal which allowed the researchers to concentrate on the respondents and

their response to the prompts.

Confidentiality

Because of the sensitivity of the subject, the interviews were conducted in

a place that provided a bountiful privacy while at the same time provides a

comfortable environment for the respondents. This included the consent forms

signed by the interviewees.

Data Analysis

After the transcription, the researchers accumulated and examined the

answers of the respondents in the questionnaire. They tabulated how many were

the ‘YES’ and ‘NO’ answers per question among the 20 respondents. Meanwhile,

the answers of the interviewed students that were transcribe were also

consolidated. After which, the researchers examined the commonalities and

differences in them. This type of phenomenological method which involved the

deep examination of the students’ perception helped answer the three research

questions in the statement of the problem and provided a comprehensive data

that the study required. Because this study is qualitative, no statistical treatment

was used.
 PERCEPTION OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TOWARDS
DEPRESSION

APPENDIX A
Questionnaire

Instruction: Shade the circle of your answer.

1. Are you concerned with the challenges we are currently facing regarding depression?
o Yes
o No
2. Do you believe that depression must be addressed properly?
o Yes
o No
3. Are you suffering now from great and overflowing problems?
o Yes
o No
4. Can you handle your problems properly?
o Yes
o No
5. Do you have enough knowledge and awareness about depression?
o Yes
o No
6. Do you know the root or causes of depression?
o Yes
o No
7. Do you know the effects of depression to teenagers?
o Yes
o No
8. Are you aware of the possible solution to aid depression?
o Yes
o No
9.Have you suffered or still suffering from Depression?
o Yes
o No
10. Do you think depression is now prevalent towards teenagers?
o Yes
o No
Are you willing to be interviewed regarding your perception all about the effects of
depression to teenagers?
o Yes
o No

PERCEPTION OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TOWARDS

DEPRESSION

APPENDIX B
Protocol for Interview
1. What is your understanding of your depression?

2. What do you think are the factors that cause depression?

3. What are your prior knowledge regarding depression?

4. As a student, what do you think are the reasons depression is seen as a prevalent
problem among students?

5. What do you think are the effects of depression to students like you?