THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT AND DEPRESSION AMONG STUDENTS IN ONE OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN ESWATINI

Abstract

Some students experience difficulties adjusting to tertiary institution life due to increased academic
demands, independent learning, and having to establish new social relations. The study investigated the
relationship between social adjustment and depression among students in one of the tertiary institutions in
Eswatini. A descriptive correlational design was used with a total of 71 participants who were selected
through systematic sampling. The participants were first-year tertiary students enrolled in one of the
campuses at the University of Eswatini. The Social Adjustment Scale Self-Report and Beck Depression
Inventory Scale were adapted and used to solicit data from participants. The data were analysed using
descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. Fifty-six per cent (56%, n=40) were females and
44% (n = 31) were males. The mean age was 21.2 years. Only 22.5% (n=16) of the participants were
satisfied with their social life. Most (47.9%, n=34) participants reported not utilising study time efficiently.
Moreover, 23.9% (n=17) reported that they thought of killing themselves but would not carry it out. An
equivalent proportion (4.2%, n=3) reported that they would like to kill themselves and would kill themselves
if they had the chance, respectively. Twenty-three per cent (23.9%, n=17) of the participants had moderate
depression, and 8.4% (n=6) had severe depression. Finding academic work difficult was associated with
working hard (r=0.283, p=0.017). There was a significant positive (r=0.496, p=0.000) relationship between
suicidal thoughts and feeling sad. There is need for psychological services for tertiary institution students
for prevention and early diagnosis of depression for improved outcomes.
KEYWORDS: Adjustment, social adjustment, tertiary student, depression, relationship