Gender, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms: A Longitudinal Study of Early Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 226920
• Journal: Journal of Early Adolescence Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2009 Pages: 307-327
• Author(s): Tara M. Chaplin; Jane E. Gillham; Martin E.P. Seligman
• Date Published: April 2009
• Length: 21 pages
• Grant Number(s): MH52270
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined gender differences in the relationship between anxiety and depressive symptoms in early adolescence.

Abstract

Findings provide evidence that the development of depression in early adolescence may differ by gender. In particular, worry in childhood may lead to the development of depression among girls but not boys. Results showed an important association between anxiety symptoms and later depressive symptoms by gender. Worry and oversensitivity predicted later depressive symptoms more strongly for girls than for boys, whereas physiological anxiety predicted later depressive symptoms for both genders. Overall, the level of depressive symptoms actually decreased over the year of the study. This is unusual given that depressive symptoms are typically higher in older adolescents than early adolescents. Despite the overall decrease in depressive symptoms, it is notable that the decrease was less substantial for girls with greater early worry. These girls may maintain a steady level of depressive symptoms, eventually leading to depressive disorders. These results suggest that identifying and treating early feelings of worry and oversensitivity in girls might prevent adolescent depression. Data were collected from 113 early adolescent middle school students aged 11- to 14-years old. Tables, figures, and references