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Social support and gender differences in coping with depression among emerging adults: a mixed-methods study
Angel Martínez-Hernáez1, Natàlia Carceller-Maicas1, Susan M DiGiacomo2
1Medical Anthropology Research Center, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda de Catalunya, 35, 43002 Tarragona, Spain ; Department of Anthropology, Philosophy and Social Work, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda de Catalunya, 35, 43002 Tarragona, Spain.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health
|January 9, 2016
Summary
Social support is crucial for emerging adults experiencing depression. Dissatisfaction with friendships and support systems are linked to depression, with gender influencing how individuals seek help.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Mental Health
- Adolescent Development
Background:
- Depression impacts 12-25% of adolescents and emerging adults.
- Understanding social support's role in this demographic is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the link between perceived social support and depression in emerging adults.
- To identify preferred social support types for managing emotional distress.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 105 individuals aged 17-21 was studied.
- Participants included those with diagnosed depression, self-perceived distress, and controls.
- Validated instruments measured depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II) and social support (Mannheim interview).
Main Results:
- Loss of friendships and dissatisfaction with social support correlate with depression.
- Gender differences emerged in distress management and social support perception.
- Males preferred support for self-control; females preferred support for problem awareness.
Conclusions:
- Treatment for emerging adult depression should consider social support's impact.
- Gender-specific approaches to social support in treatment are recommended.
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