Abstract
This study aimed to identify factors significantly associated with recent depressive mood with respect to health-related behavioral patterns at the individual level, perceived safety in the school environment, and willingness to share concerns with family and social networks. Self-reported responses to questions regarding recent feelings of depression, health-related behaviors in physical, psychological, and spiritual subdomains, school refusal and perceived safety at school, and perceived social support were obtained from 1,991 in-school adolescents (mean [SD] age = 15.3 [1.7] years; male/female = 936/1055). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify explanatory factors significantly associated with recent depression, defined as feelings of sadness or hopelessness for more than 2 weeks (during the last 12 months) that interfered with everyday functioning. Of the 1,991 students, 271 (13.6%) reported recent depression. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed higher odds of recent depression in adolescents with frequent thoughts of school refusal (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 3.25 [2.44–4.32]) and those who engaged in regular physical exercise (1.57 [1.19–2.07]), whereas a positive mindset (0.65 [0.49–0.86]), perceived safety at school (0.62 [0.47–0.82]), and perceived social support from one’s mother (0.54 [0.40–0.72]) were associated with lower odds of recent depression. Taken together, our findings suggest that parents and teachers should talk regularly with adolescents about recent life (dis)satisfaction and stressors, particularly when they report frequent thoughts of school refusal. Perceived social support would increase perceived safety on school grounds and make it easier for teenagers to share their concerns with parents, thereby reducing the risk for depressive symptoms. School-based programs that promote a positive mindset would be helpful in preparing students for the challenges of adulthood.
Highlights
Depression in adolescenceMental health problems including internalizing psychopathologies such as depressive mood and anxiety may develop during adolescence [1]
Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed higher odds of recent depression in adolescents with frequent thoughts of school refusal and those who engaged in regular physical exercise (1.57 [1.19–2.07]), whereas a positive mindset (0.65 [0.49–0.86]), perceived safety at school (0.62 [0.47–0.82]), and perceived social support from one’s mother (0.54 [0.40–0.72]) were associated with lower odds of recent depression
Simple logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds of recent feelings of depression were increased in adolescents with frequent thoughts of school refusal and in those who engaged in regular physical exercise (1.30 [1.00–1.68])
Summary
Mental health problems including internalizing psychopathologies such as depressive mood and anxiety may develop during adolescence [1]. The lack of appropriate treatment for depression and suicidality in adolescents and young adults increases the likelihood of mood disorders later in life [4, 5]. Protective factors against depression include daily consumption of vegetables and fruit [10], regular sleep, and frequent participation in sports and high-intensity physical activity [11]. A well-balanced lifestyle that enables work–life balance [12], prosocial activities focused on helping others [13], and religious activities to clarify the meaning of life [14] may be helpful in reducing the risks of burnout and depression
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