Does Relative Deprivation within Schools Influence Adolescent Depression?

Citation

Kim, Jinho (2020). Does Relative Deprivation within Schools Influence Adolescent Depression?. Society and Mental Health.

Abstract

Research on relative deprivation (RD) and health has focused primarily on adult populations. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, this study examines the link between RD and adolescent depression and is the first to test the mechanisms that underlie this relationship. This study finds that controlling for school fixed effects, family income, and observed characteristics of students and their families, students with higher RD within schools exhibit more depressive symptoms. This study also considers how RD may influence adolescent depression. Sobel-Goodman mediation tests reveal that a combination of lowered self-esteem and future expectations (especially about educational attainment) explains nearly half of the association between RD and adolescent depression. Results of this study suggest that social inequality and stratification may implicate population health in the next generation through socioeconomic stratification within schools.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1177/2156869320959396

Keyword(s)

adolescents

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Society and Mental Health

Author(s)

Kim, Jinho

Year Published

2020

ISSN/ISBN

2156-8693

DOI

10.1177/2156869320959396

Reference ID

6139