The relationships between depression, temperament, character, and resilience among university students

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of depression and experiences of depression among students has received research attention both globally and within the South African context. University students encounter diverse challenges. They are in a transitional phase as they navigate new academic demands, newfound independence, social dilemmas, and financial stress while abstaining from familiar and established support systems. Stressors represent unique circumstances contributing to students’ vulnerability to depression. Several studies investigated the link between depressive symptomatology and personality—specifically temperament and character - among university students. This study continues with this thread of research by exploring this relationship together with resilience. The study aimed to explore the relationships between depression and temperament, character, and resilience among South African university students. The purpose was to determine the relative contribution of temperament, character, and resilience in explaining depression variance outcomes. Secondary data analysis was conducted on the protocols of 135 South African university students. The assessment battery comprised a socio-demographic questionnaire, Beck’s Depression Inventory-II, Predictive 6-Factor Resilience Scale, and the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised. The data were analysed quantitatively through descriptive statistics, correlational, and multiple regression analyses. The findings indicated significant relationships between specific temperament trait dimensions, character facets, and resilience. Harm avoidance and novelty seeking were dispositional traits, with resilience facets of tenacity, momentum, and collaboration, explaining a considerable variance in depression. The study results emphasised how an understanding of trait and state-related temperament and resilience can inform individualised psychological intervention development for students with prodromal/mild depression.