The development of conduct problems and depressive symptoms in early elementary school children: the role of peer rejection
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Social Defeat Stress Model for Adolescent C57BL/6 Male and Female Mice
Published on: March 15, 2024
Evelien M J C Gooren1, Pol A C van Lier, Hedy Stegge
1Department of Developmental Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. emjc.gooren@psy.vu.nl
Abstract:
Conduct problems in childhood often co-occur with symptoms of depression. This study explored whether the development of conduct problems becomes indirectly linked to depressive symptoms in a sample of 323 kindergarten children, followed over a period of 2 school years. Results showed that the development of conduct problems was indirectly linked to the development of depressive symptoms via experiences of peer rejection. These links were similar for boys and girls. Results underscore that part of the development of childhood symptoms of depression in the early years of school can be explained by a cascade effect in which the development of conduct problems results into poor peer experiences, which ultimately predict depressive symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
Conduct Disorder
Bullying
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
