2026-09-21T09:56:24Zhttps://repository.unam.edu.na/server/oai/request

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/38472024-06-01T22:01:38Zcom_11070_3515com_11070_3318com_11070_3307col_11070_192

Mpofu, Moreblessings 2024-05-29T09:44:58Z 2024-05-29T09:44:58Z 2024 http://hdl.handle.net/11070/3847 A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in clinical psychology Aim: Mental health challenges have become a major concern for university students. University life can cause stress for some students, which, if left untreated, can lead to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and sleep disorders. The current study aimed to describe the levels of social support, resilience, and mental health of undergraduate students at UNAM’s main campus, as well as to describe the relationships between these variables. Methods: This descriptive correlational study used a quantitative approach. The research instruments included a socio-demographic questionnaire, the MSPSS-12 (to measure social support), the CD-RISC-10 (to measure resilience), and the GHQ-12 (to measure mental health). A convenience sample (n=146) of full-time undergraduates was used. The study received ethical clearance from the Decentralised Ethics Committee (CDC) by the University of Namibia’s Research Ethics Policy and Guidelines. The SPSS version 29 was used for the analysis of the data. Specifically, descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlations were employed. Results: This study had more (n=105; 72%) female participants than male participants with the youngest being 18 years old and the oldest 55 years old. This study’s findings revealed that social support and resilience were positively related (r = 0.619; p = <0.0001). Social support negatively affected mental health (r=-0.672 p=<.001). This study found that a larger number of female participants experienced anxiety and depression than male participants. Resilience negatively affected mental health (r=-0.653 p=<.001). If individuals are not resilient, they become vulnerable to mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. However, ii when individuals have adequate social support, they tend to be resilient to stressful situations and consequently experience good mental health. Conclusion: Appropriate interventions may be put in place for mental health, to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health and resilience to maintain overall well being. This study recommends interventions that may identify, prevent, and treat mental health illnesses should be easily accessed on campus and these may include meditation, yoga, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness techniques. The university should consider psycho-education on mental health as a module compulsory for all first-year students as this will equip them with crucial information on stress, resilience, and ways to cope when they face challenges. The findings of this study could be used as a point of reference to inform higher learning institutions’ policymakers, service providers, and stakeholders involved in the implementation of mental health awareness, interventions, and prevention services in higher learning institutions. en University of Namibia Social support Resilience Mental health University students Namibia MSPSS-12 CD-RISC-10 GHQ-12 Social support, resilience, and mental health of students in a university in Namibia Thesisopen.access