Psychosocial management of depression in adolescent learners: Results and implications of a Nigerian study

Abstract

This study explored the perceptions of adolescent learners, teachers, and parents on the psychosocial management of adolescent depression in a district of Lagos State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 24 participants (10 adolescent learners, 6 teachers, 2 principals, and 6 parents) through in-depth individual interviews. Following thematic analysis, findings revealed adolescents to priorities low mood and lack of concentration aspects of depression experiences, while teachers and principals focused on low self-esteem and bullies. Compared to the adolescents and school personnel, the parents and guardians appeared to be more invested in feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, poor emotional control, and anxiety of the depressed adolescents. In the management of adolescent depression, stakeholder’s priorities need to be taken into account for comprehensive interventions.