Young adulthood is a time of significant risk for developing emotional disorders and a pivotal time for future life directions. Early familial, individual, and interpersonal risks and protective factors for depression by young adulthood were examined prospectively in an ongoing 22-year longitudinal study. The 376 participants, now age 26, represented a single-age cohort from a predominantly White, working-class community. Discriminant function analyses identified a group of respondents at risk for having depression by age 26. Lifetime diagnoses of DSM-IV major depression were assessed at age 26 with the DIS-IV. Protective factors were assessed in middle and late adolescence (ages 15 and 18). Of the participants at risk for depression, 33 had major depression by age 26. Fifteen respondents were "resilient," with no lifetime DSM-IV diagnoses and positive functioning (low externalizing behavior, positive individual, and social functioning) and well-being (self-esteem, self-mastery, and life satisfaction) at age 26. Group comparisons indicated that the resilient respondents differed from their depressed peers in several important developmental indices in middle and late adolescence. During adolescence the resilient group had more cohesive families, relied more on immediate family for support and advice, had more positive concepts of their lives and themselves, were more popular with peers, reported fewer interpersonal problems, and spent more time with other people. The findings stress the primary importance of positive family relationships and support, close relationships, and a positive outlook during adolescence as protective factors for depression in young adulthood, suggesting areas for preventive intervention.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify family factors in adolescence that promote resilience in young adulthood. 2. Recognize protective factors such as a positive outlook and good peer relations that promote resilience for those at risk for depression. 3. Apply research findings to promote resilience in adolescents at risk for depression
Keywords: Depression, Adult and Child Mental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.