Effects of Parental and Peer Attachment, School Adjustment on Depression among Female Middle School Students

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the factors affecting on depression among female middle school students. Methods: A survey was conducted on 217 first and second grade female middle school students in C city. Participants' general characteristics, home environment, level of depression, paternal, maternal, peer attachment, school adjustment were measured by self-reporting questionnaire. With SPSS 18.0 program, measured variables were analyzed and compared using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé post hoc test, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results: The level of depression among female middle school students were higher among students with lower economic status, second in birth order, and second grade in school. The level of depression was negatively associated with the level of paternal attachment (r=-.522), maternal attachment (r=-.487), peer attachment (r=-.376), relationship with teachers in school adjustment (r=-.274), relationship with friends in school adjustment (r=-.378), classroom behavior (r=-.450), school regulation (r=-.267). About 42% of depression among female middle school students were explained by paternal attachment, relationship with friends in school adjustment, and classroom behavior. Conclusion: Paternal attachment was identified as the most influencing factor on depression among female middle school students. Encouraging paternal involvement in the process of school adjustment might be a useful intervention to decrease depression among middle school girls.