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Psychological Factors Linked to Self-Reported Depression Symptoms in Late Adolescence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 September 2008

Melanie Smith ,
Rachel Calam  and
Catherine Bolton
Melanie Smith
Affiliation:
University of Manchester, UK
Rachel Calam*
Affiliation:
University of Manchester, UK
Catherine Bolton
Affiliation:
Bolton Hospital Trusts, UK
*
Reprint requests to Rachel Calam, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. E-mail: rachel.calam@manchester.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background: The likelihood of developing depression increases throughout adolescence. Aims: Understanding the relative contribution of psychosocial and cognitive variables to depressive symptoms during the transitional stage of late adolescence should increase the scope for effective prevention and intervention. Method: The Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA), Adolescents' Cognitive Style (ACSQ), Relationship Rating Scales (RRS), The Life Events Checklist, and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) were completed by 140 adolescents aged 16–18 years. Results: Alienation from parents and peers, helpless attributional style, gender, and perceived criticism from teachers contributed significantly to variance in scores for depressive symptoms. Negative self-inference and helpless attributions moderated the relationship between perceived criticism and depression in male participants. Conclusions: Different approaches to intervention may be more successful for males and females.

Keywords

Adolescencedepressionattachmenthelplessnesscriticismattributionsgenderlife eventsrelationships
Type
Research Article
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 37 , Issue 1 , January 2009 , pp. 73 - 85
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2008

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