Depression in early adolescence: relation to externalising and internalising behaviour

The relationship between depression, on the one hand, and externalising and internalising behaviour, on the other, in 151 adolescents (79 boys and 72 girls) was examined with respect to the possible moderating role of sex-role stereotyping. The Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale, the Achenbach Teacher Report Form, and the Australian Sex-Role Scale were used to assess the hypothesis that adolescents adapt to the experience of depression in gender-appropriate ways. A regression analysis indicated that the pattern of relationships was different for boys and girls. The hypothesis was supported for boys and externalising behaviour but not for girls and internalising behaviour.