Risk and protective factors associated with trajectories of depressed mood from adolescence to early adulthood

Citation

Costello, D. M.; Swendsen, J.; Rose, J. S.; & Dierker, L. C. (2008). Risk and protective factors associated with trajectories of depressed mood from adolescence to early adulthood. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. vol. 76 (2) pp. 173-183 , PMCID: PMC2659847

Abstract

This study used semi-parametric group-based modeling to explore unconditional and conditional trajectories of self-reported depressed mood from ages 12 to 25 years. Drawing on data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 11,559), 4 distinct trajectories were identified: no depressed mood, stable low depressed mood, early high declining depressed mood, and late escalating depressed mood. Baseline risk factors associated with greater likelihood of membership in depressed mood trajectory groups compared with the no depressed mood group included being female, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino American, or Pacific Islander or Asian American; having lower socioeconomic status; using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs on a weekly basis; and engaging in delinquent behavior. Baseline protective factors associated with greater likelihood of membership in the no depressed mood group compared with the depressed mood trajectory groups included 2-parent family structure; feeling connected to parents, peers, or school; and self-esteem. With the exception of delinquent behavior, risk and protective factors also distinguished the likelihood of membership among several of the 3 depressed mood groups. The results add to basic etiologic research regarding developmental pathways of depressed mood in adolescence and young adulthood.

URL

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2659847/

Keyword(s)

Trajectories Depression

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology

Author(s)

Costello, D. M.
Swendsen, J.
Rose, J. S.
Dierker, L. C.

Year Published

2008

Volume Number

76

Issue Number

2

Pages

173-183

DOI

10.1037/0022-006X.76.2.173

PMCID

PMC2659847

Reference ID

928