Antisocial behaviours, peer influence and depression among school going adolescents In Lubaga Division, Kampala

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between antisocial behaviours, peer influence and depression among school-going adolescents. Adolescence is a developmental stage characterized by many challenges including anti-social behaviours like fighting with colleagues at school, negative peer influence, as well as psychological challenges and consequences such as depression. Despite the growing concerns there is paucity of evidence in the Ugandan context about the linkage between, antisocial behaviours peer influence and depression among school-going adolescents. To explore this relationship, the study employed a quantitative study whilst using a correlational research design. A total of 130 respondents were selected from one secondary school in Kampala district using purposive sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results revealed a significant relationship between antisocial behaviours and depression among school-going adolescents (r (128) = -.27, p =.002.), a significant relationship was found between depression and peer influence (r(128) = -.21, p = .015), and there was a significant relationship between peer influence and antisocial behaviour (r(128) = -.21, p <.001). Peer influence was also found to mediate the relationship between antisocial behaviour and depression among school-going adolescents (b = -.148, SE = .065, 95% CI = .34, .053). Based on these findings, it is recommended that schools and policymakers develop interventions to address depression and promote positive peer influence, with emphasis on encouraging pro-social behaviours. Educational institutions could also implement mental health programs to reduce depression symptoms and mitigate the risk of antisocial behaviour in adolescents