[Depressive symptomatology and some relevant factors. Investigations at a junior college in Hokkaido, Japan].
OBJECTIVE
Recently in Japan, major depression, a depressive state, and suicide are increasingly becoming social problems requiring preventive intervention. However, only few investigations have been performed of actual conditions of mental health. The present study was therefore planned and carried out to examine relations between stress and relevant factors in adolescents and to search for clues for preventive intervention.


METHODS
A total of 184 students in a junior college in Hokkaido were the subjects of this cross-sectional survey. In October 2003, age, sex, health-related factors, social supports, stressors, loci of control, coping styles, and depressive status were investigated. After excluding data from incomplete responses, we ultimately analyzed 153 students (mean age = 19.9, 141 females).


RESULTS
Regardless of the CES-D categorization, after conducting univariate logistic regression analysis, we found that cognitive style and consciousness of stress were significantly associated with depressive symptomatology. The association remained significant even after multivariate logistic regression analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Cognitive style may influence depression in adolescents. We now need to consider preventive interventions applying the theory of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Kobayashi
Kota
K
Department of Public Health, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine.
Kobayashi
Reiko
R
Kubo
Sayaka
S
Sonoda
Tomoko
T
Mori
Mitsuru
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D013315:Stress, Psychological