Adolescent Awareness of the Psychosocial Risk Factors for Depression in Selected Secondary Schools in Nairobi-Kenya

Abstract

There are many psychosocial risk factors that lead adolescents into depression and awareness of these factors builds resilience and coping methods. The purpose of this study was to examine risk for depression among the adolescents in secondary schools in an urban setting and levels of awareness. The main objective was to examine risk factors leading to depression among adolescents. Cognitive behavioral theory was used to describe depression, its causes and solutions. The study adopted survey design and descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. A sample of 5 urban private secondary schools and a total of 130 respondents was randomly drawn. Data was collected by use of questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews. Data was analyzed, interpreted and relevant recommendations made. The study reveals that adolescents’ exposure to the conflicting relationship with parents, traumatic life experiences, peer pressure, broken relationships, and school related problems are the major psychosocial risk factors for depression in Nairobi County. A more comprehensive research is recommended to examine the extent of psychosocial risk factors for depression in Kenyan school.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2015.v5n3p191