RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BREAKUPS AND DEPRESSION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN DELTASTATE

The study explored the relationship between breakups and depression among undergraduate students in Delta State. Two research questions and hypotheses were formulated to help inform the study. The investigation adopted correlational research design. A sample of 383 undergraduate students was chosen from a population of 84,781 public undergraduate university students in Delta State. The proportionate sampling technique was used to choose the sample. An instrument titled “Breakups and Depression Questionnaire (BREDEQ)” was used to gather data. The validity and reliability of the instrument was established and obtained a result of 0.73 and 0.79 respectively. The research questions were answered using Pearson and multiple Correlations statistics while hypotheses were tested at 0.05 levels of significance. The findings showed a negative and significant relationship between breakups and depression among undergraduate students in Delta State. The findings also showed a positive and no significant impact of sex on the relationship between breakups and depression among undergraduate students in Delta State. On the basis of the findings, it was concluded that a negative and significant relationship between breakups and depression existed among undergraduate students in Delta State. It was recommended that universities in Delta State should reinforce student counseling units with trained psychologists and counselors who can provide emotional support and coping strategies for undergraduate students with breakup experiences. Additionally, universities should establish and encourage support clubs as undergraduates may find it easier to share their emotional struggles with fellow students who have had similar experiences.