Risk and protective factors for depressive symptomatology among a community sample of adolescents and young adults

Abstract

The implications of these findings in relation to a range of mental health promotion and mental illness prevention and early intervention initiatives are discussed. Supported initiatives include parenting programs that consider the realities of modem families, increasing community awareness of the impact on young people of the breakdown of their intimate relationships, initiatives in educational settings and workplaces to increase tolerance of gay/lesbian and bisexual lifestyles and the enhancement of social connectedness.

A biopsychosocial model as a guide for psychoeducation and treatment of depression

“…Protective qualities, such as material prosperity, adopting a less hectic or stressful life, being in good health, being raised in a warm and loving home, and having loved ones, a functioning and supportive social network, social solidarity, well-developed social skills, and meaningful activities, can buffer or diminish the vulnerability to depression. A short list of the relatively sparse research findings about potential protective factors includes physical activity and sports [Fox, 1999;Gore et al, 2001]; a long-term intimate or marriage-like relationship [Heath et al, 1998]; religiosity [Miller et al, 1999]; well-developed problemsolving skills for adolescents and young adults, and social connectedness among young men [Donald and Dower, 2002]; being married [for men ;Kessler, 2000]; a healthy and regular diet, with regular breakfasts and slow weight reduction [for overweight women; Lombard, 2000] or dietary supplements when being treated for depression [Peet and Horrobin, 2002].…”

Protective Associations of School Connectedness with Risk of Depression in Nova Scotia Adolescents

“…[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] These covariates included the following: students' living situation (living with both parents, compared with having another living arrangement); perceived family wealth (above average wealth, compared with average or below average wealth); a maternal relationship scale derived from 2 statements, with item scores ranging from 1 to 3 (with a higher score meaning a stronger relationship and phrased: "Most of the time my mother is warm and loving towards me," and, "Overall, I am satisfied with my relationship with my mother," rated "not true," "somewhat true" and "very true"); students' average school mark obtained on their last report card of 70% or more, compared with 69% or less; not being a regular heavy substance user (not consuming 5 or more drinks at 1 sitting on 3 or more occasions within the 30 days previous to the survey and not using marijuana on more than 3 occasions within the previous 30 days), compared with 1 or both of these behaviours; frequency of religious attendance (measured as a response to 1 of 4 items with the options of "never," "a few times a year," "at least once a month," and "at least once a week" and dichotomized as never or a few times a year, compared with at least once a month or at least once a week); and sexual orientation (reported as being completely heterosexual, compared with mostly heterosexual, bisexual, mostly homosexual, completely homosexual, or unsure).…”

“…21,22 Teenagers with depression have an increased likelihood of engaging in alcohol and (or) other substance use behaviours than teenagers without depression, 23 and depression predicts later heavier use of alcohol, [24][25][26] but not of marijuana. 27,28 Adolescents who live in single-parent homes are more likely to be depressed, 29 as are those who have poorer relationships with their parents, 21,22,30 and adolescents from families of lower socioeconomic status. 31 Adolescents with higher levels of measures of religiosity, for example, frequency of attendance at religious services and personal importance of religion, are less likely to be at risk for depression, 32 and those who indicate having a sexual minority sexual orientation are more likely to be depressed.…”

Using Photovoice as a Community-Based Participatory Research Method to Identify Perceived Risk and Protective Factors for Depression in Rural Adolescents

“…Using a social ecological framework fosters consideration and organization of factors in an adolescent's environment that influence their depression from multiple perspectives. The importance of new approaches that apply Social-Ecological Theory to mental health care is emphasized by our present healthcare system that focuses efforts on the individual or family unit but does not address other environmental influences [50]. Health disparities will remain until social structures such as community, organization, and political systems are viewed as the primary site of intervention by nursing research and practice and our mental healthcare system [50].…”

“…The importance of new approaches that apply Social-Ecological Theory to mental health care is emphasized by our present healthcare system that focuses efforts on the individual or family unit but does not address other environmental influences [50]. Health disparities will remain until social structures such as community, organization, and political systems are viewed as the primary site of intervention by nursing research and practice and our mental healthcare system [50]. To have the most positive impact on adolescent health, multiple systems such as government agencies, community organizations, schools, and community members must work together in a comprehensive approach [51].…”