CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Depression is like an octopus, it is capable to move the stretch of its hand into so
many aspect of life. The range of depression reaches from alteration of feelings and
continuously spread which leads to suicidal thoughts. Depression is indeed a serious
problem that should be given attention. People who are suffering from depression are
having a hard time to deal with it. They are being manipulated by their feelings and
emotions that made them think hard of what is wrong and right. Depression kills a
person, slowly.
Nowadays, many teenagers were prone to depression. Even a young people
could experience depression. Some people who had undergone depression think that
the only thing that can solve this is by committing suicide, when in fact it is curable.
Depression had affected an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year. And
one in 6 people (16.6%) has experienced depression at some time in their life.
Depression can strike at any time, but on average, first appears during the late teens to
mid. 20’s. Women are more likely than men to experience depression. Depression can
ruin in families. For example, in families, if one identical twin has depression, the other
has a 70% chance of having the illness sometimes in life. People with low self-esteem,
who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be
more likely to experience depression.

1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Depression is indeed a serious problem that should be given attention. Depression

kills a person slowly. Nowadays, many were very prone to depression. The researchers
found out that the most common people who experience depression are the teenagers.
They often experience stressed mood and that could also lead them to depression. Two
months ago, there was a reported suicide of a grade 12 student at Pamantasang
Lungsod ng Marikina (PLMar). Her friends said that it is because of peer pressure and a
family problem that leads her to commit suicide. Given this scenario alone, the
researchers investigate on what are the factors that contribute depression among grade
12 students in Montessori Professional College of Asia - Marikina Branch.

1.3 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The factors that contribute to the depression and its possible outcome among
Senior High School students of Montessori Professional College of Asia -
Marikina Branch.

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 Independent Dependent
(Factors that contribute (depression may lead to:)
to the depression)
 Peer pressure  Isolation
 Family problem  Rebellion
 Academic demand  Suicide
 Financial problem  Mental Illness

1.4 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The researchers aim to determine the factors that contribute to depression

among Senior High School students of Montessori Professional College of Asia -
Marikina branch.
The researchers sought to answer the following question:
1. What is the respondent's in terms of
1.1 Age
1.2 Gender
2. What are the common factors that contribute to the respondent's depressed mood?
3. What is the possible outcome of one's depression?
4. What is the possible way to overcome depression?
5. What is the importance of resolving one's depression?
6. How effective does the government's programs about depression?
7. How can a person help if someone is experiencing depression?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The results of study will be beneficial to the following persons and institution:
1. Students - They will gain deeper understanding about the factors that may contribute
to depression and most importantly for them to be able to learn on how to prevent
negative thoughts when experiencing depression.
2. Parents - They could gain insight about their situation and even in their child's
situation and be aware of their responsibilities as both parent and a friend to their
children.
3. Teachers - They could gain findings and observation that would provide them
relevant data that can be utilized in their guidance and counseling interventions and
services with their students.

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4. Administration and faculty - This will provide them information to promote, enhance
understanding and support programs concerning students who experienced depression
and to help them cope in their situation.
5. Government - This study will provide and give idea and help them to design or create
appropriate programs that talks about depression.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION

The study covered fifty (50) students of Montessori Professional College of Asia -
Marikina branch, enrolled in the first semester of S.Y. 2019-2020. The study mainly
focused on the factors contributed to depression. These students were classified as
grade 12 students that have been experiencing or experienced depression.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

 Academic
-is something that is related to education.
-is something that needs studying such as writing, reading, speaking and etc.
 Contribute
-is to give or to help others.
-is to help to cause or bring about.
 Depression
-is a state of being sad.
-is a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless and isolated.
 Disorder
-is a state of confusion.
-is a disruption of normal physical or mental functions; a disease or abnormal condition.
 Factors
-is something that contributes to an outcome.
-is a circumstance, fact or influence that contributes to a result.
 Family
-is the basic unit of society.
-is a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household; related by
blood.
 Illness
- is a sickness.
-is a disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind.
 Isolation
- is keeping apart from others.
-is an act of separating something from other things.
 Mood

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-is an emotional state.
-Is manifested through facial expression, voice tone and gesture.
 Peer
-is a social group.
-is a social group and a primary group of people who have similar interests, age,
background, or social status.
 Pessimistic
-is a negative way of thinking .
-Is lending to see the worst aspects of things or believe that the worst will happen.
 Pressure
-is an expectation to perform well in a situation.
-is the psychological stress associated with expectations to perform well in a situation.
 Problem
-is something that cause you worries.
-is a matter of situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with
and overcome.
 Prone
-is having a tendency to experience something.
-is likely to or liable to suffer from, do, or experience something, typically something
regrettable or unwelcome.
 Self-esteem
- means feeling good about yourself.
-Is an individual’s subjective evaluation of their own worth. It encompasses beliefs about
oneself as well as emotional states, triumph and despair.
 Stigma
-is a visible sign of a disease.
-is a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality or person.
 Stress
-is a feeling of emotion of physical tension.
-Is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very
demanding circumstances.
 Suicide
- is a sin.
-is an act of deliberately killing oneself.
 Teenagers
-are people ages 13 – 19.
- is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs
during the period from puberty to legal adulthood.

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 CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 LOCAL STUDIES
Depression can be prevented if its symptoms are addressed early and
effectively. Prevention against depression among university students is rare in the
Philippines, but is urgent because of the rising rates of suicide among the group.
Evidence is needed to systematically identify and assist students with higher levels of
depressive symptoms. Romero Lee and Madelene Maria conducted a study in The
University Students Depression Inventory with measures on lethargy, cognition-
emotion, and academic motivation, was used. Six of the 11 factors analyzed were found
to be statistically significantly associated with more intense levels of depressive
symptoms. These factors were: frequency of smoking, frequency of drinking, not living
with biological parents, dissatisfaction with one's financial condition, level of closeness
with parents, and level of closeness with peers. Sex, age category, course category,
year level and religion were not significantly related. In identifying students with greater
risk for depression, characteristics related to lifestyle, financial condition, parents and
peers are crucial. There is a need to carry out more surveys to develop the pool of local
knowledge on student depression. Although depression rates were fairly low among
Filipinos, anxiety and stress were moderately high. The high association between
psychological, physical and mental signifies the need to screen for depression in older
adults and anxiety and stress in younger adults and women to reduce risks for
cardiovascular disease according to J. Flores. Experts say the number of suicide cases
and students with mental illnesses has risen drastically in the last two years with at least
one suicide referral made each day. Increased risk factors such as breakdown of
relationships coupled with a decrease in protective factors such as health lifestyles and
rest can leave children increasingly exposed to mental health issues and vulnerable to
suicide. Urgent attention is needed to address the rise in mental illnesses and suicide
cases among the youth
2.2 FOREIGN STUDIES
In Cambodia, is known about social and behavioral determinants of depressive
symptoms among student populations. In 2012, a study on 1943 students at 11 junior
high and high schools found that exposure to violence among community members,
peers or family was a predictor for depressive symptoms in the students. A 2013
qualitative study on a sample of 28 students at a Cambodian university found that life
events, problems of everyday life and availability of social support were the main stress
factors affecting university students’ life satisfaction. Moreover, exposure to daily
hassles was a stress factor having a strong impact on students’ psychological and
somatic responses. Nonetheless, no research has been conducted to examine social
and behavioral determinants of depression among Cambodian university students. This
study therefore intends to identify factors associated with depressive symptoms among
university students in Cambodia.

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 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

In this research, the researchers conducted a survey to the Senior High School
Students of Montessori Professional College of Asia - Marikina Branch. The researchers
used descriptive and correlative method, wherein the researchers used questionnaire.
With the help of these methods, the researchers distributed their survey questionnaire
to the said respondents and it became easier for the researchers to gather the data.

3.2 POPULATION AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

The respondents of this research are the Senior High School Students of
Montessori Professional Colleges of Asia - Marikina Branch. Only 5 respondents from
each sections was surveyed. The researchers used random sampling to collect the
data.

3.3 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT AND TECHNIQUE

In this research, the researchers conducted the survey questionnaire to the

grade 11 and 12 students containing series of questions formulated for an individual
and independent answering by several respondents for obtaining statistical information.
The content of the survey questionnaires is the introduction of the focus and the aim of
the study, the questions about the factors of depression, the respondents relevant
information about themselves and how will the researchers keep the identity and
information of the respondents, confidentially. They surveyed the level of awareness of
the grade 11 and 12 students in regards to the factors that contribute to depression.

3.4 DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE

The researchers used a printed questionnaire. The researchers explained the

purpose of the study to the random participants and distribute to save money and time
in gathering the information needed, because questionnaires can be given to a large
number of respondents at the same time.

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3.5 DATA ANALYSIS AND PROCEDURE

The researchers used descriptive analysis that gives an idea about the
distribution of the data and it is able to identify the associations among variables that
prepares for further statistical analysis. This is also to help the researchers to find
absolute numbers to summarize individual variables and find patterns such as having
the mean, percentage and the frequency distribution of the data. The mean is about
having the numerical average of the data, the median is the midpoint, the mode is the
most common value, the percentage distribution is the ratio as a fraction of 100 and the
frequency distribution is the number of occurrences.

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 CHAPTER 4
RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

4.1 RESULTS

Table 1. Frequency Distribution

and Standard Deviation of question 2
Question No. 2: What is the common factor that
contributes to one's depressed mood? Mean: 12.5

Measurement Code Frequency Percent Deviation Square of

scale Deviation
Family Problem 1 27 54% 14.5 210.25
Academic demand 2 9 18% -3.5 12.25
Financial Problem 3 8 16% -4.5 20.25
Peer Pressure 4 6 12% -6.5 42.25
Sum of Squares: 28.5
Variance: 71
Standard Deviation: 8

Respondents Family Academic Financial Peer

Male 14 (28%) 3 (6%) 4 (8%) 4 (8%)
Female 12 (24%) 7 (14%) 3 (6%) 3 (6%)

Table 2. Frequency Distribution

and Standard Deviation of question 3
Question No. 3: What is the possible outcome of one's
depression? Mean: 12.5

Measurement Code Frequency Percent Deviation Square of

scale Deviation
Isolation 1 6 12% -6.5 42.25
Suicide 2 21 42% 8.5 72.25
Mental illness 3 13 26% 0.5 0.5
Rebellion 4 10 20% -2.5 6.25
Sum of Squares: 121
Variance: 30.25
Standard Deviation: 5.5

Respondents Isolation Suicide Mental illness Rebellion

Male 4 (8%) 7 (14%) 7 (14%) 7 (14%)
Female 2 (4%) 13 (26%) 7 (14%) 3 (6%)

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 Table 3. Frequency Distribution and
Standard Deviation of question 4
Question No. 4: What is the possible way to overcome
depression? Mean: 12.5

Measurement Code Frequency Percent Deviation Square

scale of
Deviatio
n
Mental consultation 1 20 40% 7.5 56.25
Activity involvement 2 10 40% 7.5 56.25
Spiritual counseling 3 10 20% -2.5 6.25
Sum of Squares: 118.75
Variance: 40
Standard Deviation: 6

Respondents Mental Activity Spiritual

consultation involvement counseling
Male 9 (18%) 11 (22%) 5 (10%)
Female 11 (22%) 9 (18%) 5 (10%)

Table 4. Frequency Distribution

and Standard Deviation of question 5
Question No. 5: How does the government
program effective of one's depression? Mean: 12.5

Measurem Code Frequency Percent Deviation Square of

ent scale Deviation
Very 1 6 12% -6.5 42.25
effective
Effective 2 27 54% 14.5 210.25
Neutral 3 14 28% 1.5 2.25
Not 4 3 6% -9.5 90.25
effective
Sum of Squares: 345
Variance: 86
Standard Deviation: 9.27

Respondents Very effective Neutral Not effective

effective
Male 3 (6%) 13 (26%) 9 (18%) 0 (0%)
Female 3 (6%) 14 (28%) 5 (10%) 3 (6%)

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 Question No. 6: What is the symptom of a
depressed person? Mean: 12.5

Measurem Code Frequency Percent Deviation Square of

ent scale Deviation
Pessimistic 1 7 14% -5.5 30.25
Low self- 2 33 66% 20.5 420.25
esteem
Isolation 3 10 20% -2.5 6.25

Sum of Squares: 456.75

Variance: 152
Standard Deviation: 12
Respondents Pessimistic Low self- Isolation
esteem
Male 4 (8%) 15 (30%) 6(12%)
Female 3(6%) 18 (36%) 4(8%)

Table 6. Frequency Distribution and

Standard Deviation of question 7
Question No. 7: What is the importance of
resolving one's depression?
Mean: 12.5

Measurem Code Frequency Percent Deviation Square of

ent scale Deviation
Makes a 1 23 46% 10.5 110.25
person
stronger
Boost self- 2 15 30% 2.5 6.25
esteem
Avoid 3 12 24% -0.5 0.25
suicidal
thoughts
Sum of Squares: 116.75
Variance: 39
Standard Deviation: 6
Respondents Makes a Boost Avoid
person stronger self- suicidal
esteem thoughts
Male 11 (22%) 9 (18%) 5(10%)
Female 12 (24%) 6 (12%) 7(14%

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 Table 7. Frequency Distribution and
Standard Deviation of question 8
Question No. 8: How can you help a person if
he is experiencing depression? Mean: 12.5

Measurem Code Frequency Percent Deviation Square of

ent scale Deviation
Talk 1 16 32% 3.5 12.25
personally
Listen to 2 21 42% 8.5 72.25
them
Pray for 3 13 26% 0.5 0.25
them
Sum of Squares: 84.7
Variance: 28
Standard Deviation: 5

Respondents Talk personally Listen to them Pray for them

Male 8 (16%) 9 (18%) 8 (16%)
Female 8 (16%) 12(24%) 5 (10%)

4.2 ANALYSIS

Based on the results in table 1, it shows that majority of the respondents who
answered the question with the rating of 14 or 28% of male and 12 or 24% of female
considered family problem as the main factor of their depressed mood. Meanwhile, the
academic demand has the rating of 3 or 6% of male and 7 or 14% of female, while
financial problem and peer pressure both has the rating of 4 or 8% of male and 3 or 6%
of female.

Based on the results in table 2, it shows that majority of the respondents who
answered the question with the rating of 7 or 14% male and 13 or 26% of female
considered suicide as the main possible outcome of the one's depression. Meanwhile,
the mental illness is the second possible outcome of depression with the rating of 7 or
14% of male and 7 or 14% of female. Rebellion as the third, with the rating of 7 or 14%
of male and 3 or 16% of female and isolation is the last possible outcome with the rating
of 4 or 8% of male and 2 or 4% of female.

Based on the results in table 3, it shows that majority of the respondents who
answered the question with the rating of 9 or 18% of male, and 11 or 22% of female
chose mental consultation and 11 or 22% of male and 9 or 18% of female chose
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involvement of the different activities as the main possible way to overcome depression.
Meanwhile, the spiritual counseling as the last, with the rating of 5 or 10%.

Based on the results in table 4, it shows that majority of the respondents who
answered the question with the rating of 13 or 26% of male and 14 or 28% of female
considered the governments program's effective in terms of depression. Meanwhile, 9
or 18% of male and 5 or 10% of female considered it neutral, the third is very effective
with the rating of 3 or 6% of both male and female and not effective as the last choice
with the rating of 0 and 0% of male and 3 or 6% of female.

Based on the results in table 5, it shows that majority of the respondents who
answered the question with the rating of 15 or 30% of male and 18 or 36% of female
considered low self-esteem as the number one symptom of a depressed person.
Meanwhile, 6 or 12% of male and 4 or 8% of female considered isolation and the
second symptom and 4 or 8% of male and 3 or 6% of female considered pessimistic as
the most chosen symptom of one's depression.

Based on the results in table 6, it shows that majority of the respondents who
answered the question with the rating of 11 or 22% of male and 12 or 24% of female
considered "it can make a person stronger" as the main importance of revolving one's
depression. Meanwhile, 9 or 18% of male and 6 or 12% of female considered "it can
boost a person's self-esteem" as the second and 5 or 10% of male and 7 or 14% of
female considered "it can avoid suicidal thoughts" as the last.

Based on the results in table 7, it shows that majority of the respondents who
answered the question with the rating of 9 or 18% of male and 12 or 24% of female
considered "listen to his problem" as the main way to help a person who’s experiencing
depression. Meanwhile, the rating of 8 or 16% of both male and female considered "talk
to him personally" as the second way and 8 or 16% of male and 5 or 10% of female
considered "pray for his recovery" as the last way to help a person in his depression.

4.3 INTERPRETATION

The table 1 implies that most of the senior high school students of Montessori
Professional College of Asia in Marikina branch consider family problem as the main
source of their Depression in both males and females. Gilligan, an assistant professor
of human development and family studies at Iowa State, says that family tend to focus
on spousal relationships, with the assumption that as adults we leave the other
relationships behind. The second most factor that the respondents consider as a factor
is Academic demand in females and both Financial problem and Peer pressure for
males. And the least factor that the female respondents consider is Financial problem
and Peer pressure, while males answered Academic demand.

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 The table 2 implies that Suicide, Mental Illness and Rebellion are the most
possible outcomes of depression for males and Isolation is the least option. Males tends
to hide their Depression to avoid discrimination from the society While female tends to
choose Suicide as their first option to escape Depression, followed by Mental illness,
Rebellion, and isolation, respectively.

The table 3 implies that males consider different activity involvement to overcome
Depression followed by Mental consultation. Males tends to relay to their friends and
hide their Depression. Females tend to consider Mental consultation first followed by
involvement in different activities. The last resort for the both gender is Spiritual
consultation.

Table 4 implies that the Governments program about Depression is effective for
the most of respondents for both males and females. But few of them are sure about the
effectiveness of our Governments program

Table 5 implies that Low self-esteem can be the symptoms of depression. And
habitual Isolation of someone and Pessimistic manner can also indicate depression.

Table 6 implies that it is important to resolve ones depression because it can

make them a stronger person, it could boost their self=esteem and lastly, it can suicide
suicidal thoughts to prevent death of someone.

Table 7 implies that listening to the problems of a depressed person is the best
way to help them overcome their depression. We could also talk to them personally to
give them advice and solution. And lastly, pray for their recovery.

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 CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 SUMMARY

Depression is like an octopus, it is capable to move the stretch of its hand into so
many aspect of life. Depression is indeed a serious problem that should be given
attention. Even a young people could experience depression. Some people who had
undergone depression think that the only thing that can solve this is by committing
suicide, when in fact it is curable. This research aim to determine the factors that
contributes to one's depressed mood, the symptoms of depression, the possible
outcome, and ways to overcome it. The researchers used descriptive and correlative
method, wherein the researchers used questionnaire. And used random sampling to
collect data from fifty (50) students of Montessori Professional College of Asia -
Marikina branch as the researchers’ respondents.
The researcher's study entitled "Factors that Contribute to Depression among
Senior High School students of Montessori Professional colleges of Asia-Marikina
Branch". This study found out that the most common factor that contributes to
depression is family problem that may result to suicide if not handled properly. Followed
by Academic demand, Financial and Peer pressure, respectively.

5.2 CONCLUSION

Based on the data gathered, the researchers conclude that there are significant
relationship between factors such as family problem, academic demand, peer pressure,
financial problem and other factors towards depression. The most common problem
faced by the Family nowadays is about Financial. The Family problem may cause
Rebellion. Rebellion maybe influence by their friend that contribute to Peer pressure.
Peer pressure is an act of trying to fit in a circle of friends that may result to Isolation if
not gain the desire social acceptance. As shown in data gathered, there are a lot of
factors that leads to depression that could affect the life of a student. However, the
respondents said that the family problem is the most common factor that can lead
students to depression as they are being forced to do their responsibility as a student. In
addition, the researchers discovered that depression rates are higher in females than in
males. Because girls typically reach puberty before boys do, they're more likely to
develop depression at an earlier age than boys are as they cannot handle things well.

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5.3 RECOMMENDATION

Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, the following are the
researcher’s recommendations:

The Administration, faculty and teachers should conduct a program that may help
those students who are suffering from depression. They can encourage them by giving
an advice on how those students should come up with depression, how students can
handle their depressed mood, and how students could manage their responsibility.
Moreover, the faculty can also implement activities because it can help students to
empower their life and have visions, where students can pull their life from being
depressed, not only about the goals they set but, also the faculty can remind and
explain them that committing suicide is not a solution for their problems as there are
many ways to overcome depression.

To the students who are suffering from depression. Things that are meant to be
happen, will happen. But if things are complicated, then it is time for you to consult
someone you trust and let them help you in coping up. Let them know about your
problems. Let them help you and guide you on how you are going to face your
struggles. When you’re depressed, find something that will make you lower down your
problems from thinking about it. Do not over think about something that will make you
stress and stop doing things you cannot do. Instead, focus on your goals and roles for
you only have to think about your responsibilities. Your responsibilities for being a
student should come first before anything. At this stage in your life, do not take life
seriously and do not think about other stuffs as you take it and make it as your first
priority.

To the parents, communicate with your child often, do things together as much
as possible, and give them unconditional love. Of course, it is easier said than done.
However, understanding teenage child may be less of a problem when you’re familiar
with the process of adolescent development. Remember, teens are growing in all sorts
of ways. Therefore, you can offer compassion and support. Moreover, trying a few new
approaches to parenting can help. Avoid high expectation from your child. Expectation
should be just ahead of the children capabilities so that they not feel pressured or
underestimated.

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Davidson, J. R. T., & Meltzer-Brody, S. E. (1999). The under recognition and

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Fendrich, M., Warner, V., & Weissman, M. M. (1990). Family risk factors,
parental depression, and psychopathology in offspring. Developmental
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Hammen, C. L. (1980). Depression in college students: beyond the Beck

Depression Inventory. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 48(1), 126

IGI Global, (2018). School Performance term. Retrieved from https://www.igi-

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