Awareness of Peer Acceptance and Depression

The dynamics of peer acceptance and the presence of depression play significant roles in shaping the emotional development of adolescent students. This study aimed to know adolescents' level of awareness of peer acceptance and depression factors and their relationship. Employing a descriptive-correlational approach, data were collected using a modified research instrument. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to measure the respondents’ overall awareness of peer acceptance and depression factors, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient to determine the relationship between the variables. Results revealed that respondents possess a significant level of awareness regarding the contributions of psychological, environmental, and academic factors to peer acceptance. Particularly, there is a high awareness of environmental factors, whereas awareness of academic factors is comparatively lower. Furthermore, respondents not only acknowledged but are also aware that the indicators presented on depression can serve as potential precursors to depression with trauma, injury, and emotional stress. A significant positive correlation was found between awareness of peer acceptance and depression across all factors. This indicates that as individuals become more aware of factors influencing peer acceptance, they also become more attuned to the signs or potential causes of depression. These results highlight the role of peer acceptance in adolescent wellbeing. It is recommended to implement educational programs that foster awareness, promote supportive relationships, and build coping skills for depression.