EVALUATION ON THE EFFECT OF DEPRESSION AMONG PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT IN ABU ZARIA,

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Depression, a prevalent and debilitating mental health disorder, has emerged as a pressing concern among university students globally. Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, cognitive dysfunctions, and in severe cases, suicidal ideation, depression undermines students’ academic performance and overall well-being (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). In Nigeria, the increasing academic demands, economic instability, societal expectations, and inadequate mental health infrastructure have exacerbated psychological distress among young adults in tertiary institutions (Wada et al., 2021). The problem is particularly pronounced in federal universities such as Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where resource constraints and high student populations intersect with personal and systemic challenges to amplify vulnerability to depression. Psychology students represent a unique subset of university populations as they are frequently exposed to emotionally intensive academic content and the expectation to maintain emotional balance. While they may possess theoretical knowledge of psychological disorders, many lack the resilience or coping mechanisms to navigate their own mental health challenges. This paradox places psychology students at an increased risk of unacknowledged or untreated depression (Abdulmalik et al., 2022). A recent study by Garba (2023) found that students studying behavioral sciences in Northern Nigerian universities reported higher rates of depressive symptoms compared to their peers in other faculties, attributing this trend to academic overload, identity confusion, and emotional burnout. Furthermore, the psychosocial dynamics in Nigerian institutions, including social isolation, poor peer relationships, limited counseling services, and cultural stigma, contribute to the invisibility of depression. Despite increasing awareness, many students internalize psychological struggles due to fear of being labeled as weak or unstable (Hassan et al., 2021). This culture of silence leads to worsening mental health conditions, decreased motivation, absenteeism, and in extreme cases, academic attrition or suicide ideation (Isara et al., 2022). The lack of proactive institutional responses further worsens the situation, as university health centers are often underfunded, understaffed, and ill-equipped to handle psychiatric cases. At ABU Zaria, one of Nigeria's oldest and most prestigious universities, the scale of academic and personal pressures experienced by psychology students is magnified by the intense competition, rigid curriculum, and limited psychosocial support structures. Anecdotal and preliminary reports suggest that many students suffer in silence, manifesting depressive symptoms through chronic fatigue, poor classroom engagement, procrastination, and irritability. Yet, there remains a dearth of empirical studies investigating the extent of depression among psychology students in ABU, which impedes evidence-based policy responses. It is also important to consider the societal context in which these students live. Nigeria, while gradually integrating mental health into its public health agenda, still allocates less than 3% of its healthcare budget to mental health (Gureje & Lasebikan, 2021). This structural neglect filters down to educational institutions, where limited funding for mental wellness programs translates to minimal intervention for students in distress. The psychological cost of this neglect is borne disproportionately by students in emotionally demanding programs, such as psychology. In light of these realities, this study evaluates the prevalence, correlates, and academic implications of depression among psychology students at ABU Zaria. It aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how individual, academic, and institutional variables interact to influence mental health outcomes, and to recommend interventions that can support students’ psychological well-being. ________________________________________ 1.2 Statement of the Problem Depression among university students, particularly in Nigeria, has reached concerning levels, yet institutional mechanisms to manage and mitigate its effects remain grossly inadequate. Despite the increasing discourse on student mental health, concrete efforts in tertiary institutions like ABU Zaria to track, assess, or intervene in depression among their students are limited. This is especially problematic for psychology students, who often confront the double burden of academic stress and emotional exposure without corresponding psychological support. The issue is compounded by systemic and cultural constraints. Many psychology students refrain from seeking help due to the stigma attached to mental health issues, especially within the university and their wider communities (Wada et al., 2021). They may fear discrimination, ridicule, or being perceived as professionally incompetent for showing vulnerability. In addition, the university’s health services rarely prioritize psychiatric evaluation and often lack trained personnel in clinical psychology or psychiatry, making it difficult for students to receive adequate care. Consequently, depression remains largely undiagnosed, untreated, and unacknowledged among students in need. Moreover, depression negatively affects various domains of students’ academic lives—attendance, concentration, productivity, interpersonal relationships, and overall academic performance (Garba, 2023). Chronic depressive episodes may lead to academic withdrawal, self-harm, or substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Without empirical data on these dynamics within ABU Zaria's Psychology Department, policy formulation and institutional interventions remain speculative. This research, therefore, seeks to fill this gap by critically evaluating the prevalence, causes, and impact of depression among psychology students at ABU Zaria. ________________________________________ 1.3 Objectives of the Study 1. To determine the prevalence of depression among psychology students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 2. To examine the socio-demographic and academic factors associated with depression among psychology students. 3. To assess the impact of depression on the academic performance of psychology students. 4. To suggest effective strategies for reducing depression and enhancing mental wellness among psychology students. ________________________________________ 1.4 Research Questions 1. What is the prevalence of depression among psychology students at ABU Zaria? 2. What are the socio-demographic and academic factors associated with depression among these students? 3. How does depression influence the academic performance of psychology students? 4. What interventions can be implemented to reduce depression among psychology students at ABU Zaria? ________________________________________ 1.5 Research Hypotheses 1. There is a significant relationship between socio-demographic/academic factors and the prevalence of depression among psychology students in ABU Zaria. 2. Depression significantly affects the academic performance of psychology students at ABU Zaria. ________________________________________ 1.6 Significance of the Study This study offers empirical insights that can influence mental health policy development within tertiary institutions in Nigeria. By uncovering the specific factors contributing to depression among psychology students, university management and policymakers can design targeted interventions such as student counseling programs, psychoeducation workshops, and stress management campaigns. At the community level, this study contributes to demystifying mental health issues, reducing stigma, and promoting healthier student environments. Community-based mental health outreach, driven by universities, can extend the benefits of such findings to broader youth populations beyond campus settings. Academically, this research bridges an important gap in the Nigerian mental health literature by focusing on a vulnerable but often neglected group—psychology students. It also provides a baseline for future comparative studies and reinforces the need for institutions to embed psychological services into student support systems. 1.7 Scope of the Study This study is confined to the Department of Psychology at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, with a focus on both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The central variables include levels of depression (dependent variable), and socio-demographic and academic factors such as age, gender, year of study, academic stress, and availability of support services (independent variables). Geographically, the study is limited to the Samaru Campus of ABU Zaria in Kaduna State. This scope allows for in-depth analysis of contextual and institutional factors affecting students' mental health and provides specific recommendations tailored to the needs of psychology students within this environment.