Seth, Asalepele (Naomi) (2007) Depression, Loneliness and Social Support in Adolescents. Coursework Masters thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the mental health of Queensland adolescents living in rural areas and to explore the theoretical relationship between the psychological variables of depression, loneliness and social support amongst this population. Due to limited mental health services, recreational facilities for the youth and isolation associated with rural areas, it is anticipated that rural adolescents are more likely to suffer from loneliness and depression possibly dependent upon the social support available. A relationship between depression, loneliness and social support has been reported in other populations and similar findings were expected in the current study. Participants in the study were 200 rural area students with ages ranging from 12 to 18. The short version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), Loneliness and Isolation Scale and Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale -2000 were used to measure the variables. Rural adolescents reported high social support and both low depression and loneliness. The results of this study were consistent with previous research showing a negative relationship between social support and both depression and loneliness and there was a significant positive relationship between depression and loneliness. The results showed that social support and loneliness are both predictors of depression. Contrary to past research, this study also found that absence of teacher support predicted depression in adolescence. The results of the current study suggest that the majority of rural adolescents probably cope well. Based on the findings of this research, it seems that support from teachers may be a key ingredient in avoiding loneliness and depression. In conclusion, the present study provides some useful insights into optimising the wellbeing of Australian youth particularly in the health promotion activities of Public Health Units.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Coursework Masters) |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Sciences - Department of Psychology (Up to 30 Jun 2013) |
| Supervisors: | Paul Bramston |
| Qualification: | Master of Psychology (Health) |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Nov 2025 23:32 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Nov 2025 23:32 |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52746 |
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