Eating Attitudes, Coping Styles, and Peer Victimization Among Adolescents with Seasonal and Nonseasonal Depression Symptoms

Abstract

Seasonal and nonseasonal depression symptoms often emerge during adolescence, although it is unclear if these two issues differ on key adolescent cognitive vulnerability and peer relation variables. This study compared eating attitudes, cognitive coping styles, and peer victimization among adolescents with symptoms of seasonal and nonseasonal depression. A sample of 311 adolescents (mean age = 15.37 years, 57% female) was categorized as experiencing symptoms of seasonal depression (n = 64) and nonseasonal depression (n = 87), as well as controls (n = 160). Self-report measures of seasonality, depression symptoms, eating attitudes, coping styles, and peer victimization were completed. Results suggested that a belief in rigid weight regulation was associated with seasonal depression symptoms. Catastrophizing and rumination were associated with seasonal and nonseasonal depression symptoms, while a lack of planning was associated with nonseasonal depression symptoms. Peer victimization was associated with both seasonal and nonseasonal depression symptoms. Study implications are provided.