Determinants of Stress Coping in Young Girls with Major Depression

Abstract

Based on former empirical studies and theoretical considerations the present study investigated differences in stress load and stress coping between adolescent girls with major depression and controls. In addition a biological indicator of chronic stress (the cortisol awakening response) was measured. 148 girls with a mean age of 15 years were studied and assessed twice with a time interval of six months in between. 74 fulfilled DSM IV criteria for major depression at first assessment. Stress symptoms and stress coping was measured with SSKJ 3-8 and SVFKJ, which are validated German questionnaires. Linear multiple regression was used to identify the variables which influence stress coping. Depressed girls reported a significantly higher stress load and significantly more destructive stress coping. The best prediction was found for a resignative coping strategy with initial degree of depression as best predictor. When using a lack of positive self instruction as dependent variable the cortisol awakening response also contributed significantly to the amount of explained variance. Because initial degree of depression seemed to determine the later inadequate coping strategies prevention programs for depression in adolescents are recommended.