Date Approved

5-7-2008

Embargo Period

3-23-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in School Psychology

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Dihoff, Roberta

Subject(s)

College students--Psychology; Depressed persons

Disciplines

Educational Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to explore the relationship between stressful life events, depression and the effects of perceived social support. The researcher expected to find a positive correlation with higher stressful life events ratings predicting greater depressive mood. Also, the researcher hypothesized that people who have more hours of contact with social support systems would experience less depressive mood. Finally, it was expected that a significant interaction effect would be found such that the more contact with social support systems would weaken the effect of stress on depressive mood. The sample consisted of forty-five undergraduate students from a midsize university. The results of the comparative analysis revealed a significant correlation between social support and life events, as well as a significant correlation between social support and depression. The results of the linear regression were not statistically significant. A significant interaction effect was not found between stressful life events, depression, and perceived social support. Limitations of the study and future implications for similar studies are discussed.

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