Background:
There is ample evidence that adolescent depressive symptoms are a precursor of depression in later life (Canals et al. 2002; Pine et al. 1999). The period of mid-adolescence is especially significant because it is regarded as a time of major developmental changes and challenges (Kardum & Krapic 2002). Although the majority of teens exhibit considerable resilience, the prevalence of depressive symptoms greatly increases during this transitional period, and there are several factors shown to create vulnerability in certain individuals.
Methods:
This study explored an integrated model to investigate the possible moderating relationship between personality characteristics and stressful life events associated with a vulnerability to depression within mid-adolescence (Kardum & Krapic 2001). Using a retrospective design, 324 year 9 adolescents from Maitland-Newcastle high schools completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Junior, Adolescent Life Change Event Questionnaire and Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale for Children.
Results:
As expected, personality and life events were correlated with depressive symptomatology and female adolescents scored higher on most measures. Significant interactions indicate that although life events can predict depressive scores, neuroticism has a greater influence independently and by moderating the effects of stressful life events on depressive symptoms. Additionally, specific life events, such as appearance problems, may impact greater on adolescents' emotional adjustment.
Conclusions:
Results suggest modest support for an integrated model in explaining depressive symptoms in mid-adolescence and indicate possible risk factors rather than causal relationships. Results would be enhanced by a prospective design.
