Personality traits as predictors of depressive-symptoms among undergraduates in Lagos state

Abstract

Depression is the most prevalent disabling mental disorders worldwide. In a study by WHO (2018) Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Especially when long-lasting and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition. It can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school and in the family. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide which is the second leading cause of death among adolescence (15- 29years).Hence, the study examines Personality traits as predictors of depressive-symptoms among undergraduates in Lagos State University as depression has become the most ignored and misunderstood forms of mental disorder in the country. Recent findings have established connection between neuroticism and depression as well as extraversion and depression, but no unambiguous results of connections between other traits and depression exist. Cross-sectional research designed was adopted using survey method to obtain data from the respondents. Big Five Inventory (BFI-10) and Beck’s Depression inventory II (BDI-II) was administered individually to the randomly selected four hundred and twenty (420) undergraduates of the university. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested using multiple regressions and T-test for independent means. Result of the findings revealed that there was significant joint influence of openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and extraversion on depression among undergraduates; revealed negative influence of neuroticism on depression, no significant influence of conscientiousness on depression and it was also revealed that there was no significant influence of sex on depression. Thus, it was recommended that measures be put in place to identify factors influencing depression and if identified early can be managed by expertise using behavioral therapy, emotional support, social skill training etc. This may help the young university students to overcome their difficulties and lead a healthier life.