Interpersonal stress, interpersonal competence, and gender matter for adolescents’ depressive symptoms: Considerations for counselors

Abstract

AbstractGender differences in adolescents’ depressive symptoms associated with interpersonal stress and competence were examined in a sample of 2157 high school students in the southeastern United States. How interpersonal competencies directly influenced depressive symptoms, and moderated associations among interpersonal stress and depressive symptoms were tested. Key findings showed that stress across different contexts positively predicted depressive symptoms. Initiating new relationships was shown to be a protective factor while providing emotional support and negative assertion were associated with greater depressive vulnerability for girls. Moderation results showed that girls have stronger associations between parent and peer stress and depressive symptoms. Recommendations are made for the assessment of interpersonal stress and competence, as well as prevention and early intervention for depressive symptoms. Assessing diverse interpersonal competencies and contexts of stress may be useful for enhancing adolescents’ capacity to address interpersonal stress and help diminish associations between stress and depressive symptoms.