LINK:
ABSTRACT
The literature has a paucity of studies on the risk of depression among tertiary students and early adolescents, particularly in developing countries like the Philippines. The lack of such studies can contribute to weak mental health intervention programs in the universities. Hence, this cross-sectional survey was conducted to fill such gaps by determining the risk of depression among college students in a private higher education institution. Through a stratified sampling technique, 292 third-year students of varying courses have participated in this study. The Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) was used as a screening tool to discriminate the depressed from the non-depressed students and to detect those at risk of having depression. Results indicated the course has a significant difference in the risk of depression, while age and gender do not have. It concluded that the risk of depression varies among courses. However, the majority of college students are potentially at risk in their tertiary years. Ramifications to the Guidance and Counseling Office were offered. Moreover, ideas on implementation and research opportunities concerning mental health interventions were discussed.