Factor That Contribute to Depression among University Students in Malaysia.

Abstract

Depression among university students has become an alarming concern, particularly in Malaysia, where studies indicate higher levels of mental health issues compared to other countries. This study investigates the key factors contributing to depression among undergraduate students. Drawing on established literature, the study identifies four main determinants: social life, excessive workload and lecturer’s role, family support, and financial constraints. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. The findings revealed that financial constraints had the strongest association with depression, followed by family support and social life, while excessive workload and lecturer’s role had a comparatively lower impact. The reliability of all constructs was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.70. The study highlights the urgent need for institutional strategies that address financial and social support mechanisms to improve student well-being. Limitations include the study’s narrow focus on a single geographic region and its cross-sectional design. Future research is recommended to explore additional psychological variables that may influence depression among students.