Effect Of Family Bonding On Depression Among Undergraduates Of University Of Cyberjaya During Movement Control Order (Mco)

Abstract

Movement Control Order (MCO) is a series of national quarantines implemented by the federal government of Malaysia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in this country. Due to COVID-19, anyone can be affected mentally and emotionally. As most of the students went back home and stayed with their family during this period, we plan to conduct a cross sectional study to assess the relationship of family bonding and mental health especially depression level during this period. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 students in the period from August 2021 until January 2022 in University of Cyberjaya (UOC), Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia. The sample selection was done by proportionate sampling technique. The self-administered questionnaire was distributed online. High levels of alienation were found to be significantly less likely to cause depression which was contrary to our hypothesis. Low and moderate levels of communication with parents and that of trust from parents were significantly related to lower risk of depression. Overall, our study found a negative correlation between parental attachment and occurrence of depression among our respondents. This study helps to explain the relations between family bonding, especially with parents and depression level. Undergraduate students who reported a higher level of parental attachment experienced lower depression during the Movement Control Order (MCO).