Perceived Risk for Depression and Coping Skills of Adolescents in a Private Higher Education Institution: Basis for Mental Health Education Program

Abstract

Adolescent mental health is a pressing global concern, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Philippines, mental illness is the third most frequent disability, yet only 3–5% of the health budget is allocated to mental health services. This study perceived risk for depression and coping skills among senior high school students in Cavite, Philippines, to inform school-based interventions. Anchored in Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory, a quantitative descriptive design was employed, with 365 participants (61.4% female; 84.1% aged 18) selected via Raosoft sampling. Validated tools—the Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale-6 (KADS-6, α=0.80) and Brief-COPE inventory (α=0.60)—were administered online.

Results revealed 67.67% (n=247) scored ≥6 on KADS-6, indicating possible depression, with symptoms like low energy (mean=2.50) and diminished enjoyment (mean=2.45). Coping strategies were predominantly problem-focused (mean=2.89), with active coping (mean=3.08) most utilized, while avoidant strategies were least employed (mean=2.10). No significant correlation was found between depression severity and coping styles (avoidant: p=0.474; problem-focused: p=0.128), suggesting external factors (e.g., family dynamics) may influence perceived risk for depression.

These findings highlight high post-pandemic depression risks but also resilience through adaptive coping. Schools are pivotal for early intervention, and this study recommends: (1) institutionalizing routine mental health screenings using KADS-6 and Brief-COPE; (2) training school staff to facilitate peer support groups and self-reflection programs; and (3) advocating for increased mental health funding and stigma reduction. By leveraging schools as hubs for mental health support, this research contributes to global efforts to address adolescent mental health in low-resource settings.