Perceived Social Support as A Predictor of Depression Among Female Trainee Nurses in Pakistan
Rabia Mushtaq & Riaz Ahmad, PhD
Abstract
The objective of this study is to explore the predictive relationship of perceived social support and depression in trainee nurses in Karachi, Pakistan. It was hypothesized that perceived social support would predict depression in Muslim nursing trainees in Pakistan. The sample was comprised of 294 trainee nurses from various nursing school situated in Karachi. The Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale and Siddiqui-Shah Depression Scale were administered. Results showed that perceived social support (r= -.249, p< .000) significantly predicts depression in trainee nurses. It was further revealed that support from family (r= -.285, p< .000) and friends (r= -.262, p< .000) predict depression in trainee nurses significantly, however, support from significant others found to be insignificant (r= -.076, p> .191) determinant of depression in current study. The findings showed that having supportive family members and friends are more pertinent areas in support system to protect nursing trainees from depression in Pakistan.