Parental Support as a Predictor of Depressive Symptoms among Filipino College Students

Christian Ranche; Levy Fajanilan

Authors

Christian Ranche Adventist University of the Philippines
Levy Fajanilan Adventist University of the Philippines

Keywords:

parental support, depressive symptoms, filipino collage students, mental health

Abstract

The transition to college life presents numerous challenges that can significantly impact the mental health of students. This study investigates the role of parental support in predicting depressive symptoms among Filipino college students. Utilizing a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 480 college students across various universities in Metro Manila, Philippines through online self-administered standardized questionnaires. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R) was employed to measure depressive symptoms, while the Perception of Parental Reciprocity Scale by Wintre et al. (1995) was used to assess perceived parental support. Results from multiple regression analysis reveal that higher levels of perceived parental support are significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms (β = -0.211, p < .001), controlling for demographic variables such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status. The findings underscore the critical role of a supportive family environment in mitigating depressive symptoms during the crucial period of college adjustment. Implications for mental health interventions and parental involvement programs are discussed, highlighting the need for strategies that foster supportive parental relationships to enhance the psychological well-being of college students. Future research directions include longitudinal studies to further elucidate the causal relationships and the exploration of cultural factors influencing parental support dynamics in the Filipino context. The rapid proliferation of internet and mobile technologies has significantly reshaped communication patterns worldwide, creating a digital network that spans the globe. This technological evolution has led to an increase in cyberbullying, a modern form of aggression using electronic means to harass or intimidate otherS. Particularly prevalent among adolescents and young adults, cyberbullying has emerged as a significant global concern due to its profound and lasting impact on victims' mental health and overall well-being.

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