Associations between Interpersonal Dispositions, Social Support, and Depression among High School Students

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand interpersonal dispositions and social support among high school students and identify factors associated with depression. Methods: A total of 604 students (320 males and 284 females) from four high schools conveniently sampled from high schools in the Incheon area participated in a self-administered survey. Results: According to hierarchical multiple regression analysis, the following factors significantly affected the participants’ depression levels with the explanatory power of 30.6%: grade, perceived health status, sympathetic-acceptable personality, sociable-friendly personality, rebellious-distrustful personality, parent support, peer support, and the support from community. Conclusion: In this study, interpersonal dispositions and social support were positively associated with depression. These results suggest that strengthening personal relations and social support can help high school students in terms of mental health and suicide prevention.