Considering a relational model for depression in Navy recruits.
OBJECTIVE
Key variables that have influenced depression in previous research were examined in this study including adult attachment, perceived social support, sense of belonging, conflict in relationships, and loneliness for their relationships in a relational model for depression with U.S. Navy recruits in basic training.


METHODS
This theory-testing analysis study was part of a larger cross-sectional cohort study that examined the factors associated with depression in Navy recruits. The sample for this study included 443 recruits. Structural equation modeling was used to test the fit of the theoretical model.


RESULTS
The proposed model explained 49% of the variance in depressive symptoms with loneliness and sense of belonging as the strongest indicators of depression.


CONCLUSIONS
The Navy should consider interventions that increase sense of belonging in high risk for depression recruits to decrease loneliness and depression and circumvent recruits not completing basic training. The assumption that recruits are in close quarters and contact with other people and therefore are not lonely and receive adequate social support is not supported. This article contributes to advancing the science of mental health in relation to depression by considering predictors that are amenable to intervention.
Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Boulevard, Sylvania, OH 43560.
Julie A
JA
Kruse
The University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
Bonnie M
BM
Hagerty
Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA 92134.
William S
WS
Byers
The University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
Gary
G
Gatien
The University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
Reg A
RA
Williams
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008132:Loneliness; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009326:Naval Medicine; D009769:Object Attachment; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012933:Social Identification; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult