CAN SITCOMS EASE THE BLUES? THE EFFECT OF SITCOMS ON REDUCING DEPRESSION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Depression among university students is an area of increasing concern worldwide. Students are often reported to seek comfort in drugs, which further deteriorates their mental and physical health. There is a high need to identify alternative solutions to student depression that are ideally not harmful for the students. This study aimed to assess the effect of sitcoms on depression among university students. This research intends to examine whether sitcoms are helpful in reducing depression among students; what is the nature of pleasure they seek to reduce the depression; and if there is any difference of effects in males and females. To assess students' depression, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used. The researcher employed experimental method based on pre-testing, stimulus, and post-testing. The results of this study show a major shift from a higher BDI depression state to a lower BDI depression state after exposure to a sitcom. Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT) is used as the basis of this study to analyse the impact of sitcoms in relation to the psychological and gratification needs of the students. According to the results of this study, it is evident that students use this medium (sitcoms) to gratify the need for relaxation and it helps in reducing depression.