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Adolescent depressed mood and young adult functioning: a longitudinal study
D Devine1, T Kempton, R Forehand
1University of Georgia, Athens 30602.
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Adolescent depressed mood shows stability across teenage years. Early signs of depression predict young adult social skills, self-esteem, and behavioral issues.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Adolescent Psychiatry
Background:
- Depression during adolescence is a significant concern.
- Understanding the long-term impact of adolescent mood is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the stability of depressed mood throughout adolescence.
- To determine if adolescent depressed mood predicts young adult functioning.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 82 Caucasian adolescents over 4 years.
- Assessed annually using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI).
- Follow-up assessments in young adulthood (mean age 19).
Main Results:
- Depressed mood (CDI scores) demonstrated relative stability during adolescence.
- Adolescent CDI scores significantly predicted young adult prosocial competence.
- Adolescent CDI scores predicted young adult self-esteem, externalizing, and internalizing problems.
Conclusions:
- Depressed mood is a stable characteristic during adolescence.
- Early identification of depressed mood can inform interventions for young adult outcomes.