Female high-reassurance seekers are at risk for adolescent depression. (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vorndran Hedrick, Anne K.; Geller, Pamela A.; Grunberg, Victoria A.; Mudrak, Pamela L.
• Is Part Of: Advances in mental health. Volume 18:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 156
• Page End: 165
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: Adolescent -- depression -- sex differences -- empathy -- reassurance seeking -- cognitive coping; Mental health -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Mental Health -- Australia -- Periodicals; Mental Health Services -- Australia -- Periodicals; Mental health; Mental illness; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1080/18387357.2019.1568836
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1838-7357

Abstract

ABSTRACT : Objective: Depression is prevalent among adolescents, affecting about 11% of the United States population ages 12–17. It is therefore pertinent to better understand the factors associated with adolescent depression in order to prevent the development of symptoms and minimise negative psychosocial and developmental outcomes. Methods: We utilised a self-report survey among 84 adolescents to examine the associations between reassurance seeking, empathy, cognitive coping strategies, and depressive symptoms, among high-school students. Results: Female sex and high reassurance seeking were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Discussion: Our study suggests that regular screening for reassurance seeking and depressive symptoms among adolescents, as well as ongoing psychosocial education for parents, teachers, and administrators, may help to identify those in need of intervention.