Work

Risk and Protective Factors of Depressive Symptoms Among Hungarian Adolescents from a Large Cross-Sectional Survey

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: There is a global documented rise in depressive symptoms among adolescents. The cross-sectional assessments in representative samples of adolescents would help explore their correlates, which may serve as resources for intervention. Our cross-sectional survey entitled “Békés County Youth Study 2024” involved a representative sample of grade-9 high school students (N = 1590, aged 15–17 years, 56.4% females) from public high schools in the region, Hungary. Besides depressive symptoms (measured by a validated, shortened version of the Children’s Depression Inventory, CDI), a set of psychosocial variables (psychosomatic symptoms, internet addiction, future orientation, social support from family and friends, marks, gender, school satisfaction, and religiosity) was included in the survey. Gender differences in the summary score for CDI were significant: t(1588) = −12.062, p < 0.001, showing a higher rate of females. A total of 22.6% (males: 13% and females: 30%) belonged to the group at risk of depression. All potential predictors proved significant, with the strongest contribution of psychosomatic symptoms (Beta = 0.306, p < 0.001), and the most relevant protective role of family support (Beta = −0.265, p < 0.001). Other than further exploring contextual factors that increase risk for and protect against adolescent depression, mental health promotion in schools should include well-being training.

Source: Psychiatry International

DOI: 10.3390/psychiatryint7010007

Author: Bettina F. Piko

Institution: University of Szeged

Language: English

Topic: Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207