Examining the Influence of Locus of Control and Self-Esteem on Depression among Secondary School Adolescents in Karu Local Government, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of locus of control and self-esteem on depression among secondary school adolescents in Karu Local Government, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The total population for the study consisted of 315 students, from which a sample was drawn to examine how psychological factors predict depressive symptoms during adolescence. Three major constructs were measured using standardized instruments: The locus of control scale, the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and the depression inventory for adolescents. These instruments were selected due to their reliability, ease of administration, and relevance to adolescent psychological assessment. The study adopted a survey design using simple linear and multiple regression analysis to determine the independent and combined influence of locus of control and self-esteem on depression. Findings from the regression analysis of hypothesis one revealed that internal locus of control significantly and negatively influence depression among secondary school adolescents in Karu Local Government, Nasarawa State, Nigeria (β = –0.31, t = -5.50, p < .05), indicating that an increase in internal locus of control was associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms among adolescents. In contrast, external locus of control was found to have a significant positive influence on depression (β = 0.36, t = 6.49, p < .05). The regression analysis of hypothesis two revealed that low self-esteem significantly and positively influenced depression among adolescents (β = 0.39, t = 6.86, p < .05). These findings underscore the need for school-based psychological interventions to enhance emotional resilience. The study contributes important empirical evidence to adolescent mental health research in Nigeria and provides a foundation for further investigations and interventions.