Literature Review

This paper explored published articles that report on results from research conducted on

the impact of depression on university students and how it affected the social life, psychological

development and academic performance of university students and how it can be reduced. This

review sought to gain insight as to how depression impacts the lives of university students. More

specifically we were concerned with understanding the influence of depression on university

students' social life, psychological development, academic performances and how depression can

be reduced. The articles, however, vary in their explanation and study of how depression affects

various aspects of one’s life. Kupferberg, et al (2016), Rhebergen, et al (2010), WHO (2020) and

Rizvi, et al (2015), highlighted the fact that depression affects social interactions at work, school

and home as a result of decreased work performance. Yang, et al (2015) and Rottenberg (2005)

believe that depression causes a profound change in mood and affects one's cognitive thus

affecting their psychological development. Weir, Zakama and Rao (2012) and Yang, et al (2015)

makes mention of how depression activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and

sympathetic nervous system and causes changes in brain function.

Ruz, et al (2019) and Bernal-Morales, et al (2015) suggested that depressed university

students tend to have lower grades thus a low grade point average (GPA).(Riba & Cusumano,

2018) and (McWhirter, 2017) stated that university students are depressed for various reasons.

Also, (Lipps & Young, 2009) indicated in a survey that young female students that attend

Jamaican universities are likely to be more depressed than males. Villines (2018) suggested that

there are various ways that one can reduce depression by talking to a medical personnel or family

member and so on.

Keywords: Depression, Young adults

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Impact of Depression on Social Life

The World Health Organization (2020) declared depression as a worldwide problem, citing

that more than two-hundred and sixty-four million (264 000 000) people are affected by

depression. The same document was careful to distinguish between depression and the usual

mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life.

Unequivocally categorised depression, declaring that when it is long-lasting, with moderate or

severe intensity, it may become a serious health condition, causing the affected person to suffer

greatly and thus functions poorly at work, at school and in the family (WHO, 2020). It is then

fair to extrapolate from this document published by the world’s leading professional experts on

health, that the impacts that depression has on an individual can be very grave. If it is that this

illness affects the work-life, school life and family life; by extraction, it will affect the social life

of just about anyone who is suffering from it.

WHO (2020), further suggests that at its worst, depression can lead to suicide; highlighting

the sad statistic that close to eight hundred thousand (800 000) people die due to suicide every

year and that suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. This statistic shows

that there is a serious adverse effect or a momentous impact depression has on young adults

worldwide on an annual basis. This fact then begs the question as to how much is the said impact

is evident at the University of Technology. Kupferberg, et al (2016), declared that depression is

associated with social risk factors, social impairments and poor social functioning. The article

was explicit in defining impairment of social functioning as “an individual’s ability to perform

and fulfill normal social roles”. Kupferberg, et al (2016), also clearly confirmed that although the

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impairment is not as grave when compared to others with more severe mental health issues, it is

considered an important sign of depression (Kupferberg et al., 2016).

Interestingly, Kupferberg et al (2016) cited Rhebergen et al (2010), and Rizvi et al (2015),

highlighting the fact that depression affects social interactions so much that after treatment it can

be correlated with unemployment, disability and decreased in work performance. This assertion

underpins the gravity of the impact depression may have on individuals. Tse and Bond shared

their professional findings that the social impairments associated with depression could partly

result from social-emotional dysfunction, citing difficulties in understanding and controlling

social emotions, or a deficit in the ability to read signals of interpersonal threats and safety as

clear examples (Tse and Bond, 2004). This finding reinforces WHO’s finding which reported that

people who suffer from depression function poorly socially, be it at work, or home.

Additional, Rehman et al put forth the idea that the interpersonal difficulties individuals

suffering from depression may face, might be of a result of a lack of motivation, or their inability

to show that they understand and share the feelings of others where social interactions are needed

and a minimised ability to conjure up solutions that work when faced with interpersonal issues.

Often this leads to a reduced tendency to smile (Rehman, et al., 2008) and is likely to be

interpreted as impolite, uninterested, or any other negative interpretations by those who merely

seek to interact with these individuals.

Impact of Depression one Psychological Development

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 Psychological development can be defined as the development of cognitive, emotional,

intellectual and social capabilities and functioning of a person over a period of time

(Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2019). According to Yang et al. (2015), the symptoms of depression

includes, reduced motivation or hopelessness, a decrease in the ability to experience pleasurable

activities such as sex and social interactions, lack of energy, decrease in concentration, disrupted

sleep, cognition, reduced appetite, and tendency to commit suicide. Although major depression is

a complex package of symptoms, a profound change in mood is its most characteristic feature

(Rottenberg, 2005).

Stressful life events such as depression could cause a series of psychological and

physiological changes in the body including activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal

(HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system, these could be referred to as psychological stress

responses (Yang et al, 2015). Morphometric changes have been observed in a number of brain

regions in association with depressive disorder, particularly those involving corticostriatal and

corticolimbic networks in adults (Weir, Zakama and Rao, 2012).

Rottenberg (2005) affirmed that major depression is the leading cause of psychiatric

hospitalizations as it is estimated to affect nearly one out of seven people and it is also associated

with several adverse consequences, including the increased risk of suicide. The well-being of

your mind and body are interconnected and dependent on one another for maximum functioning.

Therefore, when your body feels sick, your mood and mental capabilities are also affected

(Western Washington Medical group Staff, 2017).

Impact of Depression on Academic Performance

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 Based on a study done by Ruz, et al (2018), negative consequences such as low

academic performance is often a result of a high or persistent depression state in university

students. Therefore it can be said that one’s emotional stability affects a student’s academic

success. Students who have depression tend to have a lower grade point average (GPA) and their

attendance rate in classes is extremely low (Ruz, et al, 2018). According to Bisson (2018),

depressive symptoms such as sleep disturbances and fatigue may make it difficult to show up or

stay awake during class. Students may have difficulty retaining information and are unable to

perform well in his/her classes due to barriers such as loss of interest and perpetual feelings of

sadness (Bisson, 2018).

As stated by Cassady, et al (2019), diminished levels of interest in school, difficulty paying

attention or concentrating on tasks, worse reading and writing outcomes and struggling to engage

in positive academic behaviors such as attending class and studying are all learning challenges

associated with depression. The self-perception of depressive symptoms in adolescents

contributes to difficulties in concentrating and completing school tasks making a detrimental

cycle (Bernal-Morales, et al, 2015). A high depression state is associated with an increase in

stress levels, which may affect a student’s ability to properly study for an examination to obtain a

satisfactory grade that leads to a low GPA achievement (Ruz, et al, 2019). Consistent low GPAs

may lead to further depression, discouragement and even withdrawal from a college or university

(Ruz, et al, 2019). According to Bernal-Morales, et al (2015), depressed students are shown to

lack motivation and report receiving lower grades than non-depressed students.

Impact of Depression on University of Technology Students

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 Depression is very prevalent among university students as it negatively affects student’s

academic performance. Attending university seems as if it is a ‘new world’ you may have new

experiences for example having a roommate, encountering new cultures and lifestyle (Riba &

Cusumano, 2018). Students may not be able to cope with these changes and may become

depressed. According to McWhirter (2017), 16 percent of college students are affected by

depression. This may be as a result of financial strains which can lead to students neglecting

school due to money owed to the university which may cause students to worry and not being

able to perform well (McWhirter, 2017). Academic stress can also be a cause of depression

(McWhirter, 2017). University is usually competitive, requires a lot of concentration and it

places more pressure on students knowing that it is their future career success. Additionally,

social media use is said to be a cause of depression in students (McWhirter, 2017). Currently,

social media is said to be the largest entertainment for youths. However, it causes low self-

esteem, depression, and a low mood (Riba & Cusumano, 2018).

Furthermore, there are several signs associated with depression in university students.

These include trouble focusing, for example, students may have difficulties completing

assignments, making decisions, or learning in classes (Riba & Cusumano, 2018). Also, students

may experience relentless sadness and appetite changes (Winrow, 2019). These symptoms may

also lead to suicidal thoughts.

In addition, there are different resources that can be used by university students to treat

depression. However, there are a number of students who are concerned about confidentiality

and are timid to seek treatment because of the stigma attached to mental health conditions

(Winrow, 2019). Nevertheless, students can speak to counsellors at the university or trusted

professors or pastors (Winrow, 2019).

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 According to Lipps & Young, (2009) a Jamaican university did a survey on students

regarding factors associated with depression, who were at a higher risk of being depressed. There

were approximately 690 students who were involved in the survey. There were 252 students from

semester one and 438 students from semester two. From these numbers, approximately 40% of

the students were clinically depressed. Reports showed that more students were depressed in

semester one than semester two. Report showed that second and third year students have the

highest rates of anxiety and depression (Winrow, 2019). Females had more symptoms than males

that showed associated factors of depression especially those who are involved in a visiting

relationship. Also, students with disability and chronic illness have a higher depression rate than

others (Lipps & Young, 2009).

Reduction of Depression

The effects of depression will reach beyond the emotions and mental wellbeing of a

person. Depression can also affect the physical health of a person (Villines, 2018). According to

Villines (2018), A person with depression may experience days of depressed mood including

feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of pleasure in activities previously enjoyed, physical

discomfort or sluggishness, low energy or tiredness, difficulty concentrating or making choices.

Furthermore, Mcmillen (2010) stated that Depression can affect physical health, including

the following: Weight gain or loss- People with depression may experience changes in appetite,

which can cause unwanted weight loss or gain. Excessive weight gain from medical experts has

been associated with many health issues including diabetes and heart disease.

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Chronic pain- People with depression may experience unexplained aches or pains, including

joint or muscle pain, breast tenderness, and headaches.

Worsening chronic health conditions- Chronic diseases may often feel depressed or

overwhelming, and depression may intensify these feelings. An individual with depression may

also fail to follow the chronic illness treatment plan, which can make the symptoms worse.

Trouble Sleeping- People with depression may have insomnia or sleeping problems. This

disorder will leave them feeling drained, making maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing

challenging.

Villines (2018) posits that, Depression is not prevented by any sure way, But it can be

reduced if an individual:

· Find ways to cope with stress, and improve self-esteem.

· Guard themselves well. Get adequate food, cook well and do daily exercise.

· When things get rough, they can reach out to family and friends.

· Have daily medical check-ups.

· Get help when feeling sad. If you wait, then it could get worse.

· Stick to the treatment plan given. Take it as prescribed if you are on medicine, whether feel

good, or not.

· Don't skip treatment sessions. Let the doctor know what's going on, and don't.

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· Avoid alcohol, and drugs for recreation. It might sound like these make one feel better, but

they can actually make your depression more difficult to treat.

· Experiment with ways to combat stress, like meditation.

· Spend time with friends and family, or join a support group. Do things which keep in touch

with others.

· Know themselves. Watch out for things that appear to make symptoms worse. Keep notes,

and tell a physician or therapist.

· should not make big life choices when feeling down on a day.

· Talk to a therapist or doctor about the medicine that might stop the return of depression.

Conclusion
In order to gain a complete understanding of the Impact of Depression, it is necessary to

conduct a study that examines all aspects of Depression amongst the University young adults.

The effects of depression on each aspect may be different, and this is demonstrated by the

negative effects it has on someone's life as a whole.

The world health organization (2020) findings declared depression as a world problem.

Kupferberg et al (2016), Rhebergen et al (2010), Rizvi et al (2015) and Tse and Bond (2004),

restate a compilation of world health organization findings about people who suffer from

depression. The world health organization background and experience in the field is evident and

its literature helped to narrow our research. Though research on the topic is quite extensive, the

methodology used has varied. Consequently, the results lack a definitive pattern. Individual

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responses to depression seem to function poorly in society. The studies reviewed provide

excellent narrative and analyses of the prior literature. In an effort to produce a more precise

evaluation of the results of research in this area, a more methodical and quantitative analysis is

compulsory. Lipps & Young, (2009) efforts of a more systematic approach is commendable.

They introduced a different approach to the usage of meta-analysis. Meta-analysis allows

researchers to integrate the outcomes of a number of experiments in order to check if the overall

impact size varies substantially from none. This study was great, the interpretation of the

observations was detailed. While an excellent work, it is important to discuss the implications on

the findings. The research relied on peer-reviewed publications and may have missed applicable

unpublished information.

This was a successful change from the previous narrative reports on the subject; however,

the research did not provide a definitive response to the degree to which the stated impact is

evident at the University of Technology. Nevertheless, it pushed the current body of research

closer to understanding the intricacy of the impact of depression on university students.

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