Early family transitions and depressive symptom changes from adolescence to early adulthood

Citation

Booth, Alan; Rustenbach, Elisa; & McHale, Susan (2008). Early family transitions and depressive symptom changes from adolescence to early adulthood. Journal of Marriage and Family. vol. 70 (1) pp. 3-14

Abstract

Some research and theory suggest that early cohabitation, parenthood, and marriage have negative long-term implications. Nevertheless, in the context of their resources and opportunities, early transitions may represent positive choices for some individuals. We studied the family and personal characteristics of young adults (N = 8,172) who did, versus those who did not, make early family transitions. We assessed changes in their depressive symptoms from adolescence to young adulthood. Individuals who made early family transitions were disadvantaged in many respects, but differed little from those who did not with respect to changes in depressive symptoms. That they stay “even” with those who do not make transitions suggests that some young adults make positive choices from among limited options.

URL

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2007.00457.x/pdf

Keyword(s)

Transition to adulthood Depression

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Marriage and Family

Author(s)

Booth, Alan
Rustenbach, Elisa
McHale, Susan

Year Published

2008

Volume Number

70

Issue Number

1

Pages

3-14

DOI

10.1111/j.1741-3737.2007.00457.x

Reference ID

785