Social support and end‐of‐semester depression, burnout, and adjustment in students making the transition to university

Abstract

Nearly 40% of Canadian university students are depressed. However, strong social support may mitigate adverse outcomes for some. This study examined: (1) If students who showed initial depression were more likely to experience poorer end‐of‐semester well‐being (continued depressive symptoms, burnout, and poor social and academic adjustment); and (2) if social support was a moderator for initial depression effects on poorer end‐of‐semester well‐being. Participants (N = 461) were first‐time first‐year undergraduates who completed questionnaires in September and December 2018. Entering university with depressive symptoms was associated with end‐of‐semester depression, burnout and decreased academic adjustment. Across well‐being outcomes, social support was not beneficial for those who entered university with high depressive symptoms.

Academic Motivation and Social Support: Mediating and Moderating the Life Satisfaction and Learning Burnout Link

“…49 In addition, a sense of social support helps students identify and maintain learning goals in complex learning environments, allowing them to experience less academic distress and reducing their complaining emotions, which reduces their symptoms of learning burnout such as anxiety, stress, and overwhelm. 84 A number of studies have confirmed the impact of teachers' social support on university students' motivation and burnout. A study of 1048 Spanish university students shows that a teacher-supported teaching style is beneficial for motivating students to learn, helping students acquire knowledge in a reflexive way, and improving their self-esteem, confidence, and enthusiasm for learning.…”