Adolescent Depression Research Articles

A personalised nutrition intervention for adolescent depression: a mixed-methods feasibility pilot study.

Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated the benefit of diet modification to improve diet quality in the treatment of adult major depressive disorder (MDD). However, research examining nutritional interventions for adolescents with MDD is sparse. This pilot study examined the feasibility of a personalised nutrition intervention for adolescents with MDD. Ten adolescents with MDD and their parents recruited from a tertiary care setting participated in an 8-week, single-arm mixed-methods study. Feasibility was assessed using five criteria (demand, acceptability, implementation, adaptation and limited efficacy testing) alongside qualitative interviews. The intervention involved four bi-weekly virtual nutrition counselling sessions with a stepped approach to dietary change, menu planning, grocery delivery and educational eHealth messages. Study participants sought positive changes in diet, health and lifestyle for adolescents and family-wide benefits. Recruitment challenges included concerns about managing mood fluctuations, anticipated dietary restrictions and the potential time and effort required for diet adherence. Feedback based on interviews emphasised moderate to high acceptability, satisfaction with menu planning and counselling and recognition of the benefits of trying new foods and sustaining positive dietary changes beyond the study. Improvements in depression symptoms (Cohen's d = 0·36, 95 % CI (-0·24, 3·36)), parent food modeling (Cohen's d = 0·24, 95 % CI (-0·43, 1·16) and the family food environment (Cohen's d = 0·61, 95 % CI (-0·04, 2·61)) were observed. This nutrition intervention was feasible for adolescents with MDD and was acceptable to both parents and depressed adolescents. These preliminary data suggest that further examination of the intervention and its potential benefits on depression symptoms and family food dynamics are warranted.

Maternal depressive symptoms in and beyond the perinatal period: Associations with infant and preschooler sleep.

(1) To describe sleep in infancy and early childhood among children born to mothers with and without clinically significant depressive symptoms, and (2) to explore the relationships between maternal depressive symptoms and sleep patterns and problems during infancy and early childhood. Secondary analysis of longitudinal data from the Moe Kura: Mother and Child, Sleep and Wellbeing in Aotearoa/New Zealand study. Data was collected in pregnancy (T1), 12 weeks postpartum (T2), and 3 years post-birth (T3). Participants were 262 Māori and 594 non-Māori mother-child dyads. Chi-square and Independent T-tests measured bivariate associations between maternal mood (T1, T2, T3) and child sleep characteristics (T2, T3). Binary logistic regression models examined longitudinal and concurrent associations between maternal depressive symptoms and infant and preschooler sleep. Adjusted models accounted for key socio-demographic variables, as well as infant sleep variables in preschooler models. Bivariate associations were found between prior and concurrent depressive symptomology and many of the infant and preschooler sleep outcomes. In adjusted models, prenatal depressive symptoms remained independently associated with shorter-than-recommended sleep durations in preschoolers. In these models, concurrent depression was also associated with night waking, night LSRSP, and perceived sleep problems at 12 weeks postpartum, and CSHQ-determined and perceived sleep problems at 3 years post birth. Longitudinal and cross-sectional associations were found between maternal depressive symptoms and child sleep. Sleep appears to be one pathway by which maternal depression confers risk for suboptimal child health outcomes. Findings support the need for earlier and better maternal mental health services.

The relationship between perceived parental phubbing and smartphone addiction in adolescents

Abstract Background Parental phubbing refers to the degree to which parents reduce or ignore their interactions with their children while taking care of their smartphones. Today, it has become important to conduct studies to understand the effects of parental phubbing on adolescents, which is increasing globally. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between perceived parental phubbing and smartphone addiction as well as depression in adolescents. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 314 adolescents aged 10-18 years who applied to the general pediatrics outpatient clinics of a university hospital in Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, were included. The questionnaire form used for data collection consisted of questions about the sociodemographic information of the participants, ‘Perceived Parental Phubbing Scale’, ‘Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale Short Form’, and ‘Smartphone Addiction Short Form for Adolescents’ items. Descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis H test and Spearman correlation analysis were used to analyse the data. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Depression and smartphone addiction levels were found to be significantly lower in adolescents who did not smoke, engaged in regular physical activity and had a close group of friends (p < 0.05). It was also found that the level of perceived parental phubbing was significantly higher in adolescents whose parents’ education level was above high school and who felt lonely (p < 0.05). Low level positive correlations was found between perceived parental phubbing and both depression (r = 0.116, p = 0.041) and smartphone addiction (r = 0.128, p = 0.023). Conclusions As the level of parental phubbing perceived by adolescents increased, the levels of depression and smartphone addiction in adolescents increased. These negative effects of parental phubbing on adolescents should be taken into consideration by mental health professionals. Key messages • It is important to consider and question parental phubbing as one of the related factors in adolescents with high levels of smartphone addiction and depression. • There is a need for studies to increase the awareness of parents, who are important role models for adolescents, about the concept of phubbing and its effects on adolescents’ mental health.

Childhood socioeconomic status and depression in adulthood: systematic review

Abstract Background Low socioeconomic status (SES) is generally associated with poorer mental health, particularly depression. We carried out a systematic review to address the question of whether childhood SES is associated with depression in adulthood and the potential pathways which may explain this association. Methods We followed a systematic search strategy in PubMed and Scopus with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. After removing duplicates, studies were screened for eligibility and quality was assessed independently by two assessors using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results After the selection process, 20 observational studies (7 cohort and 13 cross-sectional) that examine the association between SES during childhood and depression in adulthood were included in the systematic review. The most common measures of childhood SES were parental education, occupation or family income, estimated subjectively and/or objectively. In 17 of the studies an inverse relationship between childhood SES and depression was shown. In 17 studies, models were employed to demonstrate the possible pathways which explain the relationship between childhood SES and depressive symptoms. The most important mediators were adult SES, psychosocial factors, childhood trauma and physical health. Conclusions Our findings reveal the long-term association between childhood socioeconomic conditions and depression later in life. Suboptimal childhood SES seems to be an important risk factor for depression in adulthood. Improving childhood socioeconomic conditions can potentially have lasting effects well beyond childhood. Key messages • Protecting children against the effects of socioeconomic adversity could reduce depression in adult life. • Policy makers should direct resources towards alleviating childhood disadvantage for promoting health in adulthood.

Social factors that promote resilience in adolescents with depression: a systematic review

Abstract Background A socially protective environment matters. Social factors can protect against the development of depression among adolescents in community samples. There is however scant knowledge about their buffering role on the impact of depressive symptoms in adolescents in a clinical setting. Understanding these factors can help explaining why some children function well despite of their depression symptoms. In this review, we aimed to identify which social protective factors mitigate impairment from depression in adolescents. Methods We included peer-reviewed, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies using the following search strategy: Social protective factors AND depression or depression symptoms AND adolescents AND daily impairment, yielding 1737 hits. Included studies focused on social protective factors in relation to a depression diagnosis or depression symptoms severity, in adolescents age 11-24. Preliminary results We found 6 studies that examined the relationship between social protective factors and impairment or severity of depression symptoms in adolescents with a clinical depression or elevated symptoms. In these studies, higher rates of parental attachment, parental monitoring and school belonging moderated the relation between depression symptoms and daily impairment. Higher rates of family support and peer belonging were associated with the low depressed mood group. The rest of the studies tested the association of social protective factors on the development of depression symptoms in non-clinical populations. Conclusions There are limited studies on the buffering role of social protective factors in adolescents with clinical depression. Next, we will focus on non-clinical, longitudinal studies to explore which social protective factors moderate the development of depression over time. We aim to identify social factors that can mitigate the development of depression in community samples and are potentially important for clinical settings. Key messages • There is a scarcity of studies that explored the relation between social protective factors in adolescents with elevated depression symptoms or depression diagnosis. • The role of social protective factors that moderate the development of adolescent depression symptoms over time should be prioritized in the development of intervention programs.

Social support and mental health outcomes in palestinian children victims of bullying and cyberbullying during the covid-19 pandemic: an exploratory investigation

BackgroundStudies have shown that COVID-19 negatively impacted mental health by increasing depression and anxiety. Additionally, bullying might deteriorate children's psychological functioning. Nevertheless, social support has been studied as a positive buffer for mental well-being.ObjectivesThus, our study aimed to examine the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak on children’s mental health when they are a victim of bullying and cyberbullying. Moreover, we tested the effect of social support as a mediating variable. A sample of 141 children (63 boys and 78 girls) 9 to 13 years old (M = 10.31, SD = 2.26) who reported having experienced bullying participated in the research. All were Palestinians living in Israel, attending primary schools.MethodsData was collected using the following measures, the Multidimensional Bullying Victimization Scale (MBVS), the Adolescents Cyber-Victimization Scale (CYBVICS), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a questionnaire measuring the effect of COVID-19 on mental health outcomes, the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Structural equation modelling was applied to test the association between variables and mediating effects.FindingsA positive correlation between Fear of COVID-19 and traditional bullying, cyberbullying, depression, and anxiety were found. Moreover, social support was negatively correlated with traditional forms of bullying and cyberbullying. Also, statistically significant differences between traditional bullying, cyberbullying, depression, and parents' difficulties emerged from parental marital status.Conclusionsfindings might help victims of bullying by training teachers and guiding parents to construct intervention plans to empower the social networks of children victims.

Perinatal depression and adverse child growth outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Perinatal depression (PND), which encompasses the antepartum and postpartum depression (APD and PPD), is a neglected crisis in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to systematically search and meta-analyze existing evidence to determine whether a mother's PND affects adverse growth outcomes in children in LMICs (PROSPERO protocol: CRD42021246803). We conducted searches, including nine databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, Global Health Database, Google Scholar, WHO Regional Databases, PsycINFO, and LILACS) from January 2000 to September 2023. We restricted studies that assessed PND using validated screening tools or clinical interviews during pregnancy or within 12 months postpartum. We included studies that reported four types of adverse child growth outcomes (stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight/obesity) in children younger than 5 years. We assessed the quality using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and pooled risk ratios (RRs) and odds ratios (ORs) between PND and each adverse growth outcome using random-effects models. In total, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria for systematic review, with 24 eligible for meta-analysis, spanning data from 15 countries and 26,261 mother-baby pairs. Based on the studies that reported ORs, children below the age of 3 years with mothers experiencing PND had higher odds for stunting (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.32, 2.02, I2 = 56.0%) and underweight (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.90, 3.68, I2 = 34.5%) compared to children of mothers without PND. The pooled RRs for stunting and underweight did not show significant differences between mothers with and without PND. Studies on wasting (n = 5) and overweight/obesity (n = 2) were limited, demonstrating inconsistent results across studies. The association between PND and adverse growth outcomes varied according to the measure of association, region, country, PND type, outcome timepoint, and study design. There were limited studies in diverse LMICs, particularly on wasting, or overweight/obesity as an outcome.

Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Adolescent Behavioral Health Challenges, and High School Dropout.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with behavioral health challenges and high school dropout, and behavioral health is associated with high school dropout. Less is known about the role of behavioral health challenges in the relationship between ACEs and high school dropout. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (2013) and its 2014 Childhood Retrospective Circumstances Study supplement, the current study conducts mediational path analysis to examine the direct and indirect effects of cumulative ACEs on high school dropout via adolescent depression, anxiety, and substance use. Experiencing more ACEs was associated with depression, anxiety, and substance use. Only depression and substance use were associated with high school dropout. There was a significant direct effect between increased ACEs and high school dropout and significant indirect effects via depression and substance use, but not anxiety. Adolescent behavioral health interventions to address the long-term effects of ACEs may also support academic achievement. School-based interventions, particularly those aligned with trauma-sensitive school frameworks and engaging various school personnel, including school nurses, should be considered. Community- and policy-level interventions aimed at primary prevention of ACEs are also needed.

Iron Deficiency and Internalizing Symptoms Among Adolescents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background: Iron Deficiency (ID) affects two billion people worldwide, predominantly adolescent girls, and may be associated with increased psychopathology. The associations between ID and symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents were examined using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized Americans. Methods: The current analysis included survey cycles where both iron-related markers and mental health-related outcomes were collected in adolescents 12 to 17 years old. Acute and serious medical conditions, acute inflammation, and abnormal birth weight led to exclusion. Linear multivariable regression analyses examined the association between ID status (defined based on the total body iron model) and (1) total Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score, (2) one item examining anxiety severity, and (3) one item examining overall mental well-being. Covariates included age, sex, race and ethnicity, body mass index, household income, head-of-household marital status, and psychotropic medication use. Sensitivity analyses examined the robustness of the findings when ID was defined based on the ferritin model. Results: In 1990 adolescents (age [mean ± SD]: 14.5 ± 1.7 years; 85.7% females), ID with and without anemia was significantly associated with a higher PHQ-9 score in multiracial adolescents (Cohen’s d = 1.09, p = 0.0005 for ID without anemia; d = 0.92, p = 0.0395 for ID with anemia). Moreover, ID with anemia was associated with more severe anxiety (d = 3.00, p = 0.0130) and worse mental well-being (d = 2.75, p = 0.0059) in multiracial adolescents. The findings remained significant after adjusting for psychotropic use and in the sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Iron deficiency is associated with poorer mental health in adolescents of multiracial background. Future studies should confirm these findings prospectively and examine the underlying mechanism.

How Does Maternal Childhood Trauma, Adult Attachment, Depression, and Parental Reflective Functioning Affect Preschool Children’s Socio-emotional Development?

How Does Maternal Childhood Trauma, Adult Attachment, Depression, and Parental Reflective Functioning Affect Preschool Children’s Socio-emotional Development?

Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Narrative Review.

Social media use is ubiquitous to the lives of children and adolescents. The body of research investigating its potential impact on mental health has risen exponentially. We systematically reviewed the present literature exploring potential linkages between social media use and symptoms of depression and anxiety in this vulnerable group. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses framework, articles were searched across Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases from inception to February 2024. Quantitative studies with social media as exposure and anxiety/depressive symptoms as outcomes in children and adolescents 5-18 years of age were included. Of the 4850 studies retrieved, 67 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The most frequent measures of social media were "time spent on social media" and "frequency of use." Depressive symptoms were the outcome of 61 studies, whereas anxiety was measured in 27 studies. Most studies were of fair quality (n = 53). A meta-analysis was not possible due to study heterogeneity. Our review shows that (1) problematic social media use is associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents, (2) duration of social media use was more consistently linked with anxiety and depression in girls compared with boys, and (3) mediating and moderating mechanisms were sleep deprivation, social comparison, and feedback-seeking behaviors, exercise, social support, and type of social media use. Qualitative work and robust large-scale longitudinal observations using a person-specific approach are needed to further our understanding of the impact of social media use on depression and anxiety in children and adolescents.

62 Outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of a brief virtual group intervention for adolescents with mild to moderate suicidal ideation and their caregivers: The BRAVA study

Abstract Background Building Resilience and Attachment in Vulnerable Adolescents (BRAVA) is a brief virtual group intervention designed for adolescents with mild to moderate suicidal ideation (SI) and their caregivers. The goal of BRAVA is to reduce SI in adolescents and increase family connection. The intervention consists of six independent, 90 minute modules that are delivered in a group setting on a weekly basis. Independent modules allow for rolling admission thereby reducing wait time to start the intervention. The modules include components of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Attachment Based Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving and psychoeducation. Adolescents and their parents attend separate groups. Adolescents focus on emotional regulation, coping skills, managing crisis situations and caregivers focus on connecting with their teen, validation and crisis management Objectives This randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessed the efficacy of BRAVA in reducing symptoms of SI, depression and anxiety in adolescents, and improving life stress and competency in caregivers. Design/Methods Ninety-nine eligible youth (13-17.5 years) presenting with mild to moderate SI (rated 1 on the suicide item of HEADS-ED MH screening tool) and their caregivers were recruited from hospital and community services. Families were randomized to BRAVA (n=50) or the control group (n=49). The control group intervention consisted of weekly text messages and the opportunity to join the BRAVA group post-exit assessment). Outcome measures were administered at intake and exit for adolescents (Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire-Junior, SIQ-JR; Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale, RCADS) and caregivers (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS; Parent Sense of Competency Scale, PSOC). Outcomes were analyzed using repeated measures of multivariable analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results Preliminary analyses showed no significant differences between groups at intake for any demographic or clinical variables. Most adolescents and caregivers completed their exit assessment (nBRAVA=37; nControl=39). Adolescents and caregivers attended a median of six and five groups, respectively. Comparing to the control group, BRAVA was superior in reducing SI (p = 0.05) and depression (p = 0.005) in adolescents and caregiver life stress (p = 0.026). Preliminary MANOVA of adolescent outcomes were significant for time [p <0.01, Effect size (ES) = 0.98] and between groups (p = 0.03, ES = 0.11). Caregiver outcomes were significant for time (p=0.051, ES=0.70). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a brief virtual group intervention can have a significant impact on adolescent SI and depression compared to an enhanced treatment as usual control group. In addition, BRAVA can reduce caregiver perceived stress, helping them view their lives as less unpredictable, uncontrollable and overloaded.

Prevalence of depression and associated factors among adolescents in Uttar Pradesh, India: insights from UDAYA wave-1

ABSTRACT Mental health issues, especially depression among adolescents is a global concern. This study focuses on understanding the prevalence and factors influencing depression among adolescents in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. The study was utilized data from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) survey (Wave-1) conducted in 2015–16 among adolescents (aged 10–19 years). Bi-variate analysis, t-test, ANOVA, and ordered probit regression were employed for statistical analysis (N = 8,363). The ordered probit model demonstrated significant associations with higher depression among older adolescents (coef. = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.24), females (coef. = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.26), those with higher schooling (coef. = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.33), and non-Hindu individuals (coef. = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.15). Additionally, depression was notably higher in the richest households (coef. = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.23), with high parental interaction (coef. = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.21), and high peer interaction (coef. = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.31). Conversely, lower depression was linked to good academic performance (coef. = -0.10; 95% CI: −0.18, −0.02), belonging to OBC (coef. = -0.11; 95% CI: −0.18, −0.05), and general (coef. = -0.09; 95% CI: −0.17, −0.01) categories. The study concludes that addressing adolescent depression in UP requires a nuanced approach considering demographic, socio-economic, and interpersonal factors. Interventions should target vulnerable groups while addressing academic stress, promoting positive social interactions, and providing mental health support. Further research is needed to explore underlying mechanisms and develop effective strategies for improving adolescent mental well-being in the region.

Standardized Approach to Pediatric Post-COVID Syndrome and Its Impact on Children and Adolescents: A Perspective From a Tertiary Center.

Pediatric post-COVID syndrome (pPCS) affects a notable number of children. This study aims to describe its clinical manifestations, biopsychosocial impact and management strategies. A prospective, single-center study was conducted to analyze data of pPCS patients presenting to our institution between May 2021 and November 2022. Functional impact was evaluated by assessing school absenteeism and by using the Adolescent Depression Rating Scale (ADRS), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Fatigue Severity Scale. Among the 50 patients included [median age (interquartile range): 14.0 (12.9-15.8) years; females: 70%], the most common symptoms were extreme fatigue (84%), exertion intolerance (82%), orthostatism (66%), dyspnea (66%) and headache (66%); 25% had an abnormal Schellong test. Median (interquartile range) ADRS, PedsQL and Fatigue Severity Scale scores were 3.0 (1.0-5.0), 56% (49%-71%) and 45.0 (32.0-53.0), respectively. Sixty percent experienced partial (34%) or complete (26%) school absenteeism. The most common referrals to specialized consultations were child psychiatry (48%), pulmonology (46%), physiotherapy (36%) and an ear-nose-throat specialist (24%). Eighty percent had a typical form of pPCS, whereas 20% had a clinical presentation suggestive of a functional disorder triggered by COVID-19. The latter had more frequent thoracic pain (P = 0.012) and more referrals to pediatric neurology (P = 0.01), gastroenterology (P = 0.011), ophthalmology (P = 0.037) and child psychiatry (P = 0.035), but less to pulmonology (P = 0.014). School absenteeism and social withdrawal were also more common in this group, with more severe PedsQL and ADRS scores. pPCS is associated with a significant socio-educational burden that should be taken into account in medical, social and educational care.

Interpersonal symptoms in adolescence depression across Asian and European regions: a network approach

BackgroundMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD) poses a significant global health challenge, with symptom presentation potentially varying between adolescents and adults. Adolescence is a critical period marked by heightened vulnerability to interpersonal stresses, yet the impact of these stresses on the structure of depressive symptoms is not well understood. Recognizing the cultural nuances in how depression manifests among adolescents is crucial. To this end, this paper employs a network analysis approach, utilizing a comprehensive symptom checklist from the Multidimensional Depression Assessment Scale (MDAS). Our study investigates the role of interpersonal symptoms within the broader cluster of emotional, cognitive, and somatic symptoms and explores variations in adolescent groups in four Asian and European regions.MethodsWe recruited a diverse sample of 6,348 adolescents aged 12 to 18 from Hong Kong, Taiwan, the UK, China, and the Netherlands using the Qualtrics platform. Employing the Gaussian Graphical Model, we established a network model of depressive symptoms as measured by the MDAS, segregating the sample into Asian and European regions to examine the interconnections between them. The study focused on identifying central symptom nodes and comparing the network structures between the two groups.ResultsThe analysis identified feeling worthless, low energy, being a burden to others, and low mood as central symptoms of depression. Notably, there were significant differences in the connections between depressive symptoms among Asian (Hong Kong, China and Taiwan) and European (UK and the Netherlands) adolescents, highlighting cultural variations in how interpersonal symptoms interact with emotional, cognitive, and somatic symptoms.ConclusionThis study is pioneering in applying network analysis to include interpersonal symptoms in examining depression among a diverse adolescent population. It demonstrates that interpersonal symptoms are integral to the central features of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, our findings suggest that, compared to their UK and Dutch peers, interpersonal symptoms in Asian adolescents are uniquely connected to other symptom clusters, reflecting distinct cultural patterns. Limitations: The study engaged a broad community sample; however, future research could benefit from including a larger sample size to allow for a more detailed analysis of a greater number of symptom nodes.

Mediating effects of child schema mode in the relationship between negative parent-child relationships in childhood and non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in college students

This study was aimed to investigate the psychological mechanisms underlying non-suicidal self-injurious behavior. For this purpose, we hypothesized that dysfunctional child modes act as a psychological mechanism to influence the relationship between negative parent-child relationships in childhood and current cognitions (catastrophizing), emotions (emotional dysregulation and depression), and behaviors (non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors). A sample of 430 college students (male 97, female 333) with experience of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior was selected to test the multi-mediation effects of child schema mode (angry, impulsive), catastrophizing, emotional dysregulation, and depression on the relationship between negative parent-child relationships in childhood and non-suicidal self-injury. As a result of structural equation modeling analysis, it was found that negative parent-child relationships in childhood directly influenced child schema mode, catastrophizing, depression, and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. In addition, it was found that negative parent-child relationships in childhood were dually mediated by child schema mode and depression and child schema mode and emotional dysregulation. The present study highlights the mediating role of child schema modes as a psychological mechanism underlying the relationship between negative parent-child relationships in childhood and non-suicidal self-injurious behavior. Based on these findings, the usefulness and direction of schema therapy interventions in the field of non-suicidal self-injury counseling are discussed.

Effects of open-skill and closed-skill exercise on subthreshold depression in female adolescents: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSubthreshold depression (SD) affects a significant proportion of adolescent females, posing a risk of major depression in later life. This study examines the effects of open-skill exercise (OSE) and closed-skill exercise (CSE) on SD, executive function (EF), and emotional states in female adolescents. MethodsA double-blind randomized controlled trial involved 95 female adolescents (mean age = 16.73 ± 0.42 years) with SD symptoms. Participants were assigned to OSE, CSE, or control (CON) groups and underwent an 8-week exercise program. Primary outcomes were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), with secondary outcomes including EF tasks and emotional assessments. Differences were examined using generalized linear mixed models with intention-to-treat and multiple imputation. ResultsBoth OSE and CSE significantly reduced depressive symptoms, with CSE showing greater improvement. EF assessments showed enhanced cognitive flexibility and working memory in both exercise groups at 4 weeks, and superior inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility in the CSE group at 8 weeks. Emotional assessments indicated a notable reduction in negative emotions in the CSE group after 8 weeks. ConclusionsBoth OSE and CSE reduce SD symptoms in female adolescents, with CSE providing more sustained benefits for EF and emotional states. Further research on exercise interventions for mental health is warranted.Trial registration number: ChiCTR2400081139

Network analysis of correlations between suicide exposure, depression, and anxiety symptoms in adolescents.

Adolescents with a history of suicide exposure, defined as experiencing the suicide death of a family member, friend, or other acquaintances, are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. This study aimed to explore prevalence rates and the network of adolescents' suicide exposure, depression, and anxiety symptoms, and to clarify the correlations between suicide exposure and symptoms of depression and anxiety. A total of 8,957 adolescents were included in this cross-sectional study. Data regarding general information, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and suicide exposure were collected from mid-September to early October 2021. Network analysis was employed to assess relationships between suicide exposure and individual symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Central symptoms were identified by strength; the flow network was visualized to identify symptoms directly related to suicide exposure. The prevalence rates of suicide exposure, depression, and anxiety were 5.28%, 12.87%, and 10.48%. Results indicated that suicide exposure was associated with both depression and anxiety, and had the strongest positive association with suicidal ideation. Central symptoms of the network were sad mood, nervousness, fatigue, irritability, and uncontrollable worry. Bridge symptoms were suicidal ideation and irritability. Appetite changes, suicidal ideation, uncontrollable worry, sleep difficulties, and irritability were symptoms directly related to suicide exposure. There were significant inter-symptom associations between suicide exposure, depression, and anxiety in adolescents. It is recommended that future studies explore whether targeted interventions and long-term monitoring concerning these inter-symptom associations can protect adolescents with suicide exposure.

Domestic violence and depression among Chinese adolescents: The role of self-evaluation.

Depression of adolescents seriously affects their mental health as well as the formation and development of sound personality. According to Family Systems Theory, individuals' mental health is closely related with external (e.g. domestic violence) and internal factor (e.g. self-evaluation). The formation mechanism of depression needs deep investigation in order to provide better educational intervention for students and promote their healthy development. The study examined the relationship among domestic violence, depression, and self-evaluation. The data were collected from 1,011 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 12.04 ± 1.71) by the questionnaire of Family Violence Scale, Depression Questionnaire, and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale. We found domestic violence and depression were significantly positively correlated (r = .25, p < .001); self-evaluation was significantly negatively correlated with domestic violence (r = -.26, p < .001) and depression (r = -.50, p < .001). Moreover, domestic violence could directly and positively predict depressed psychology, and could also indirectly predict depressed psychology through the mediating effect of self-evaluation. The level of depression of adolescents was closely related with domestic violence and self-evaluation. And self-evaluation played a mediating role between domestic violence and self-evaluation.

Investigating the Impact of Social Communication Deficiencies in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder on Their Parents' Depression and Anxiety Levels

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) significantly impacts individuals' social communication abilities, affecting both the diagnosed children and their families, especially the mental health of their parents. While existing literature has focused on the direct implications for individuals with ASD, the psychological toll on caregivers is often overlooked. This study explores the relationship between children's social communication challenges due to ASD and the subsequent mental health outcomes in their parents, specifically depression and anxiety levels. Using a correlational design, the research involved 400 parents of children with ASD aged 4-18 from various urban centers in Turkey. Data were collected using the Social Communication Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory to assess children's social communication deficits and parents' psychological states. Spearman’s correlation coefficients and subgroup analyses evaluated the relationships between the severity of children's social communication problems and parental depression and anxiety levels. The findings revealed a strong correlation between the severity of social communication deficiencies in children with ASD and heightened levels of depression and anxiety among their parents. Spearman’s correlation coefficients showed significant negative correlations, with r=-0.218 for depression and r=-0.263 for anxiety. Parents of children with more severe communication deficits reported higher psychological distress. This pattern was consistent across different demographic subgroups. The study's unique contribution lies in its quantitative confirmation of these relationships within a Turkish urban population, underscoring the need for holistic, family-centered approaches in ASD management.