title: A causal model of depression in early adolescents.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to test the extent to which a causal model developed from a theoretical formulation of depression was consistent with data obtained from early adolescents, age 12 to 14. In this cross-sectional correlational design, the final sample consisted of 225 adolescents who responded to a demographic data sheet and instruments measuring depression, self-esteem, state anxiety, and perceived stress in classrooms. The causal model was tested via the LISREL 7 program, using a maximum likelihood structural equation model. The results yielded a chi-square (1, N = 225) = .71, p = .401, indicating a good fit of the model to the data. Perceived stress had the strongest direct, indirect, and total effect on depression in early adolescents. Contrary to expectation, self-esteem did not have a direct effect on depression, and girls did not report higher levels of depression than did boys.
authors: College of Nursing, Rutgers University, USA.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Yarcheski
authors: N E
authors: NE
authors: Mahon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017668:Age of Onset; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology