CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder. It is a disabling condition that adversely affects a person's family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health. Incidence of depression has increased every year in the past century, and now one out of six people will experience a depressive episode (First MB, 2004). Depression is a mental state in which one suffers sadness; it is a common but major cause of mental illness like depression and academic stress. Depression interrupts an individual’s thoughts processes, emotional response and daily life activities (Williams E., 2008). There are many causes that contribute to depression such as destructive thoughts, cognition, loneliness, social isolation, and lack of peer support. If parents ignore that all things become students getting serious mental condition. Depression is a common but serious illness (National Institute of Mental Health). The Depressed mood is not necessarily a psychiatric disorder. It may be a normal reaction to certain life events, a symptom of some medical conditions, or a side effect of some drugs or medical treatments. The Depressed mood is also a primary or associated feature of certain psychiatric syndromes such as clinical depression. Some people, particularly if they have depression over a long period of time may learn to put on a „mask‟, to present a lighter, brighter face to others than they actually feel inside. This may be because they feel they “can’t” or “shouldn’t” show their real selves to others; that they may be rejected if they do so. This can make it very hard for individuals to ask for help, and make it difficult for others to recognize that you need help and support. In major depressive disorder, four of the following additional symptoms may be experienced by the individual: (1) Changes in appetite, weight, sleep, and psychomotor activity; (2) decreased energy; (3) feelings of worthlessness or guilt; (4) difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions; (5) recurrent thoughts of death or suicide; (6) suicide plans or attempts. Depressed students of any age may display depressive and negative thinking about their school performance; meaning that they have pessimistic views of their abilities to produce quality work. Schools have the capacity to begin building protective factors as early as elementary school that help children long-term in the areas of positive behavior, social skills, academic achievement, and emotional well-being (Whelley T, 2002). At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Almost 1 million lives are lost yearly due to suicide, which translates to 3000 suicide deaths every day. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end his or her life.

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Current study has many valuable advantages in various arenas of social science. Many adolescents who are depressed are not aware that depression is the basis for the changes in their emotions, ability to interact with others and school performance. These changes can have serious, life-altering consequences that increase the risk for future depressive episodes, especially if the depression is not recognized or treated. Adolescents who are depressed are at increased risk for the following problems: Difficulty with school work and relationships with parents and peers, decreased interest and involvement in daily activities and responsibilities, health complaints such as, abdominal pain, fatigue and headaches. The depression is a serious matter of concern among higher secondary students academic achievement so that the depression level reduced among the students, academic achievement definitely increasing in the future. Hence the present study is need of the hour.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The study seeks to determine the effect of depression on academic engagement senior secondary school students in Nigeria. The objectives of the study are:

1. To determine the relationship between depression and academic engagement  of senior secondary school students in St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State
2. To identify the causes of depression among senior secondary school students in St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State
3.  To examine the factors affecting senior secondary school students in St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State
4. To recommend ways to improve senior secondary school students in St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions guide the objectives of the study:

1. What is the relationship between depressions and academic engagement of senior secondary school students in St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State?
2. What are the causes of depression among senior secondary school students in St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State?
3.  What are the factors affecting senior secondary school students in St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State?
4. What are the ways to improve senior secondary school students in St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State?

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

H0: there is no significant relationship between depression and academic engagement of senior secondary school students in St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State

H1: there is significant relationship between depressions and academic engagement of senior secondary school students in St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study on the effect of depression on academic engagement senior secondary school students in Nigeria will be of immense help to St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State towards the ways to control depression. The study findings of the study will also establish a correlation between depression and academic engagement of senior secondary school students in St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State. The study will also serve as a source of information to St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State and contribute to the body of the existing literature on the effect of depression on academic engagement senior secondary school students in Nigeria.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

 The study on the effect of depression on academic engagement senior secondary school students in Nigeria will focus on St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos State  

1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

DEPRESSION: Depression is a feeling of constant tiredness or weakness and can be physical, mental or a combination of both. It can affect anyone, and most adults will experience depression at some point in their life. Each year, around 1.5 million Australians see their doctor about depression. Depression is a symptom, not a condition

ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT: Academic engagement refers to knowledge-related interactions of academic scientists with external organisations. It includes activities such as collaborative research with industry, contract research, consulting and informal ties