Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
Associations Between Children's Depressive Symptoms, Life Events, and Family Factors Among School-Aged Children
Tiina Talja1, Anja Rantanen1, Anna-Maija Koivisto2
1Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Nursing Science, 33014 Tampere University, Finland.
Background:
About 20-30% of children worldwide report depressive symptoms. This study examined associations between children's depressive symptoms, life events, and family factors.
Methods:
Nationally representative data (n = 95,725) were drawn from the 2017 School Health Promotion Study in Finland. The respondents were 4th and 5th grade pupils (aged 10-12) in primary schools and their parents/guardians (n = 33,726). Data were analyzed for child-parent dyads (n = 32,181). Associations were studied using cross tabulation and logistic regression models.
Results:
Children's reports of poor self-rated health, problems with family interactions, and the accumulation of life events were statistically significantly associated with depressive symptoms, also when controlling for sociodemographic factors. Financial situation and parent's depressed mood, both reported by parents, were associated with children's depressive symptoms when both were included in the regression model. However, this association disappeared when other predictors were added to the model.
Conclusion:
The results make apparent the complex associations between children's depressive symptoms and family factors. Further research is needed on the discrepancies between parent and child experiences.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Depression: Overview
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle

