Differential exposure to gun or knife violence over two decades is associated with sibling differences in depression

Citation

Jaffee, S. R.; Hasford, S.; & Fein, J. A. (2022). Differential exposure to gun or knife violence over two decades is associated with sibling differences in depression. Development and Psychopathology. pp. 1-7

Abstract

We tested whether exposure to gun or knife violence over two decades is a cause of depression in young adulthood using data from a nationally representative sample in the United States. The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health is a sample of 20,745 adolescents, assessed in 1994-95 with follow-ups in 1995-1996 (n = 14,738), 2001-2002 (n = 15,197) and 2007-2008 (n = 15,701; 24 to 32 years old). At each wave, respondents reported exposure to gun or knife violence and symptoms of depression. Regression and sibling fixed effects analyses were conducted to test whether cumulative exposure to gun or knife violence was associated with depression. In fully adjusted models, greater cumulative exposure to gun or knife violence was associated with more symptoms of depression (b = 0.12, 95% C. I. = 0.05; 0.19, p < 0.01) and higher risk for clinically significant depression in young adulthood (OR = 1.07, 95% C. I. = 1.02; 1.13, p < 0.01). Results replicated in sibling fixed effects models (b = 0.21, 95% C. I. = 0.01; 0.42, p < 0.05). These quasi-experimental data suggest that exposure to gun or knife violence is a cause of depression in young adulthood.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1017/s0954579422000797

Keyword(s)

depression

Notes

1469-2198

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Development and Psychopathology

Author(s)

Jaffee, S. R.
Hasford, S.
Fein, J. A.

Year Published

2022

Pages

1-7

Edition

2022/08/20

DOI

10.1017/s0954579422000797

Reference ID

9747