Long-term sequelae of subclinical depressive symptoms in early adolescence.
The long-term sequelae of adolescent depressive symptoms were examined in a multimethod, multireporter study of a diverse community sample of 179 adolescents followed from age 14 to 24. Mild to moderate levels of early adolescent depressive symptoms were found to predict lower maternal relationship quality, less positive interactions with romantic partners, and greater loneliness in adulthood even after accounting for prior levels of social functioning and for concurrent levels of adult depressive symptoms. Predictions were partially mediated via late adolescent avoidance of social interactions and poor maternal relationship quality. Results are interpreted as suggesting the potential impact of depressive symptoms on adolescent social development and the need to consider treatment for even mild symptoms and their social concomitants.
University of Virginia.
Joseph P
JP
Allen
University of Virginia.
Joanna
J
Chango
University of Virginia.
David
D
Szwedo
University of Virginia.
Megan
M
Schad
D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008132:Loneliness; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult