Psychological correlates of adolescent depression.
OBJECTIVE
To identify psychological correlates of adolescent depression.


METHODS
The subjects (N = 156) represented a convenience sample of adolescents who were attending public high schools in four Midwestern rural communities. Instruments used were: The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale of Children, Loneliness Inventory-Short Form, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Family Strengths Inventory, and Parent-Adolescent Communication Inventory.


RESULTS
Higher levels of depression were associated with loneliness (r = .646, p < or = .001) and low self-esteem (r = .596, p < or = .001). Depression was negatively related to family strengths (r = -.293, p < or = .001). Older adolescents were more depressed than younger adolescents (r = .332, p < or = .001). A stepwise regression identified three pertinent factors associated with depression: loneliness, self-esteems, and age.


CONCLUSIONS
Implications for nursing practice include interventions that minimize the exacerbating factors associated with depression in the adolescent population.
Brage
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Campbell-Grossman
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Dunkel
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D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires