Children's Depression Inventory-Short Form Research Articles

Food insecurity and depressive symptoms among young people living with HIV in Eastern Zambia.

Background: Mental health problems are common among people living with HIV/AIDS and contribute to poor HIV-related outcomes, including AIDS-related mortality. We examined the association between severe food insecurity and depressive symptoms in young people living with HIV (YPLH) in Zambia. Methods: We sampled 120 youth living with HIV aged 18-21years in the Eastern Province of Zambia. Household food insecurity was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Mental health was assessed using the Children's Depression Inventory-Short Form. We fitted linear regression models to assess whether food insecurity is associated with depressive symptoms. Results: The mean age was 19years, and 63% were female. Overall, 43% were severely food insecure. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables and other confounders, severely food insecure participants were more likely to report depressive symptoms (β = 0.81, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.07-1.55) and engagement in sex work (β = 1.78, 95% CI 0.32-3.25). Conclusion: Almost half of the sample reported severe food insecurity which was associated with depressive symptoms. Interventions aimed at improving food insecurity may have beneficial effects on mental health and HIV outcomes among young people living with HIV in resource-limited settings.

Association between developmental dyslexia and anxiety/depressive symptoms among children in China: The chain mediating of time spent on homework and stress

Background: The relationship between dyslexia and anxiety/depressive symptoms among children in China is unclear. Besides, the pathways to explain the risks are also undefined.Methods: 3993 primary school students from grade 2 to 6 were recruited in this study. The Dyslexia Checklist for Chinese Children and the Pupil Rating Scale-Revised Screening for Learning Disabilities were used to filter the dyslexic children. The Chinese perceived stress scale, the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, and the Children's Depression Inventory–Short Form were used separately to assess stress, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms of the children. Time spent on homework was obtained by asking their parents: "How long does it take the children to complete the homework every day?". The chain mediation models were examined using SPSS PROCESS macro 3.3 software.Results: Dyslexic children spend more time on homework (2.61±1.15), and have higher scores for depression (4.75±3.60) and stress (26.55±7.40) compared to normal children (1.87±0.77, 3.25±3.32, and 23.20±8.43, respectively). The differences are statistically significant (all P<0.01). There is no direct association between dyslexia and anxiety symptoms, while dyslexia has a direct link with depressive symptoms. Dyslexia could affect anxiety/depressive symptoms via the independent mediating effect of stress and the chain mediating effect of time spent on homework and stress. The total indirect effect is 0.21 and 0.25, respectively.Limitations: The data used in our study is self-reported and this is a cross-sectional study.Conclusions: Time spent on homework and stress could mediate the association between dyslexia and anxiety/depressive symptoms.

Subjective social status in adolescents with asthma: Psychosocial and physical health outcomes.

Asthma prevalence and morbidity are disproportionately higher among youth with lower socioeconomic status (SES). Examination of subjective social status (SSS) may improve understanding of associations between SES and health outcomes in pediatric asthma. Fifty adolescents with asthma (Mage = 13.2 years, SD = 1.23; 54% male; 55.1% African American) completed the MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status-Youth Version, Daily Life Stressors Scale, Children's Depression Inventory-Short Form, Adolescent Sleep-Wake Scale-short version, and Asthma Control Test during the baseline visit of a study of health behaviors. Body mass index z scores (BMIz) were calculated using height and weight obtained during the visits. Hierarchical linear regressions examined associations between SSS and psychosocial and physical health outcomes, controlling for caregiver-reported objective SES. Caregiver-reported objective SES was not associated with adolescent SSS. SSS-society was associated with daily stress (b = -3.14), t(47) = -2.13, p = .033; asthma control (β = .34, p = .045); BMIz (β = .38, p = .013); and sleep quality (β = .49, p = .001). SSS-community was associated with daily stress (b = -3.76), t(46) = -3.07, p = .002, and sleep quality (β = .36, p = .010). SSS was not associated with depressive symptoms. Adolescents' SSS may not always reflect caregiver's objective SES. Perceived social status may play a role in the experience of daily stress, asthma control, BMIz, and sleep quality among adolescents with asthma. SSS may offer a novel means of assessing health disparities in pediatric asthma. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Depression among Migrant and Left-Behind Children in China in Relation to the Quality of Parent-Child and Teacher-Child Relationships.

The objective of this study was to examine rates of depression among migrant children (MC) and left-behind children (LBC) as compared to non-left-behind children (NLBC) and also to examine the relationship between depression among these children and the quality of their parent-child and teacher-child relationships. This study collected data from a large sample of 3,759 children aged from 8 to 17 years, including 824 who had been left behind by one parent (LBCO), 423 who had been left behind by both parents (LBCB), 568 MC and 1944 NLBC. Children’s Depression Inventory–Short Form was used to measure child depression. Parent-Child Relationship Scale (PCRS) and Teacher-Child Relationship Scale (TCRS) were used to measure the quality of parent-child and teacher-child relationships, respectively. The results showed that the prevalence of depression was 10.5% among NLBC, 13.1% among LBCO, 16.1% among LBCB, and 20.1% among MC. Depression was related to parent-child relationship quality and teacher-child relationship quality. Negative parent-child relationship was more relevant to depression than negative teacher-child relationship among LBCB, while negative teacher-child relationship was the most correlated with depression among MC.

Depressive Symptoms, Ethnic Identity, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Obese Youth.

Examine relations between depressive symptoms, ethnic identity, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in overweight or obese (OV/OB) children. A total of 166 OV/OB 8- to 17-year-olds (M = 12.94 years; 86.7% obese; 50.6% racial/ethnic minority) attending an outpatient pediatric obesity medical clinic participated. Children completed the Children's Depression Inventory-Short Form, Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Increased depressive symptoms significantly predicted reduced total, physical, and psychosocial HRQOL. For minority OV/OB youth only, MEIM Affirmation/Belonging moderated depressive symptoms and total HRQOL (effect = -2.59, t = -2.24, p = .027; R(2) overall model = 0.315) and depressive symptoms and psychosocial HRQOL (effect = -3.01, t = -2.47, p = .015; R(2) overall model = 0.331). Depressive symptoms are negatively associated with HRQOL. In minority OV/OB youth, high ethnic identity may be protective when depressive symptoms are minimal. Ethnic identity and other cultural factors are important to consider in psychosocial treatments for pediatric obesity.

The Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Depression Among Migrant Children and Left-Behind Children in China

With greater Internet availability, the pathological use of the Internet has become an emerging mental health issue among adolescents in China. The objective of this study was to examine the associations between Internet addiction and depression in migrant children (MC) and left-behind children (LBC). The present study was conducted using a cross-sectional design with 3,254 participants (8-17-years old), which included 1143 LBC, 574 MC, and 1287 nonleft-behind rural children (RC) from 12 schools. Young's 8-item Internet Addiction Scale was used to assess Internet dependency. The Children's Depression Inventory-Short Form was used to measure child depression. The results showed that the prevalence of depression was 10.9 percent among RC, 19.7 percent among MC, and 14.3 percent among LBC. The prevalence of Internet addiction was 3.7 percent among RC, and was 6.4 percent among MC and 3.2 percent among LBC. Depression was effected by the interaction between types of children and Internet addiction. LBC with Internet addiction (odds ratio [OR], 2.780; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.237-6.248), MC with Internet addiction (OR, 2.922; 95 percent CI, 1.116-7.652), and MC with no Internet addiction (OR, 2.735; 95 percent CI, 1.974-3.789) had higher risks of depression than that for RC with no-Internet addiction. The results indicated that Internet addiction might be associated with an increased risk of depression in LBC, and migration was an important risk factor for child depression.

Depression Is More Common in Girls With Nonatopic Asthma

Asthma may increase the risk of comorbid depressive disorders in children. Children suffering from asthma or depression are more often overweight. We examined whether depression was more likely in children with atopic and nonatopic asthma, independent of abdominal adiposity. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on data collected in the Study of Asthma, Genes, and Environment in Canada. Children aged 11 to 14 years were assessed by a pediatric allergist to confirm asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis diagnosis. Atopic asthma was defined based on skin prick testing and allergic asthma based on the presence of allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis in addition to asthma. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Children's Depression Inventory-Short Form. Data were analyzed using logistic regression modeling to determine likelihood of depression in children with asthma, stratified by gender and adjusting for ethnicity, waist circumference (WC), and atopy. Four hundred thirty-one children aged 11 to 14 years (136 with asthma and 295 without asthma) were studied. After adjusting for the covariates, girls who had nonatopic or nonallergic asthma were three times more likely to have comorbid depressive symptoms compared with healthy girls (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.00-8.10; OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.30-9.25, respectively). For each 10-cm increase in WC of girls, our model showed a 39% to 56% increase in the chance of depression. In boys, neither asthma nor WC showed an association with depression. We recommend all health practitioners who see girls with asthma or girls who are overweight watch for depressive symptoms and treat comorbid depression seriously.

Predictors of functional impairment in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder

The current study examined factors associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) related functional impairment among 99 youth with OCD. A trained evaluator administered the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, items assessing family accommodation, and a version of the Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale that was modified for children. Youth completed the Child Obsessive-Compulsive Impact Scale-Child Version, Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Child Version, Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, and Children's Depression Inventory-Short Form. The child's parent completed the Child Obsessive-Compulsive Impact Scale-Parent Version. Results indicated that OCD symptom severity, depressive symptoms, and family accommodation were directly related to impairment, while insight was inversely related to functional impairment. Insight, family accommodation, and depressive symptoms predicted parent- and/or child-rated functional impairment above and beyond OCD symptom severity. Among symptom dimensions, contamination/cleaning and aggressive/checking symptoms were the only dimensions significantly associated with impairment. Assessment and treatment implications are discussed; specifically, we highlight how the variables of interest may impact clinical presentation and treatment course.

Children’s Florida Obsessive Compulsive Inventory: Psychometric Properties and Feasibility of a Self-Report Measure of Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms in Youth

This report describes the development and psychometric properties of the Children's Florida Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (C-FOCI). Designed specifically as a brief measure for assessing obsessive-compulsive symptoms, the C-FOCI was created for use in both clinical and community settings. Study 1 included 82 children and adolescents diagnosed with primary Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and their parents. The Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) was administered to assess symptom severity. Thereafter, parents completed the Child Obsessive-Compulsive Impact Scale-Parent Version and Child Behavior Checklist, and youth completed the C-FOCI, Child Obsessive-Compulsive Impact Scale-Child Version, Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, and Children's Depression Inventory-Short Form. A subgroup of 21 individuals was retested with the C-FOCI after completing 14 sessions of intensive cognitive-behavioral therapy. Construct validity of the C-FOCI was supported vis-à-vis evidence of treatment sensitivity, and moderate relations with clinician-rated symptom severity, the CY-BOCS Symptom Checklist, child- and parent-rated functional impairment, child-rated anxiety, and parent-rated internalizing symptoms. Discriminant validity was evidenced by weak relationships with parent-reports of externalizing symptoms. For Study 2, 191 non-clinical adolescents completed the C-FOCI to assess the feasibility of internet administration. Overall, internal consistency was acceptable for the C-FOCI Symptom Checklist and Severity Scale, and respondents were able to complete the measure with little difficulty. Taken together, the findings of Studies 1 and 2 provide initial support for the reliability and validity of the C-FOCI for the assessment of pediatric obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Spiritual Well-Being and Mental Health Outcomes in Adolescents With or Without Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Purpose The purpose of this study was threefold: 1) to describe spiritual well-being (existential and religious well-being) in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) versus healthy peers; 2) to examine associations of spiritual well-being with mental health outcomes (emotional functioning and depressive symptoms); and 3) to assess the differential impact of existential versus religious well-being on mental health. Methods A total of 155 adolescents aged 11–19 years from a children's hospital and a university hospital filled out questionnaires including the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, the Children's Depression Inventory–Short Form, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Covariates in multivariable models included demographics, disease status, and interactions. Results Participants’ mean (SD) age was 15.1 (2.0) years; 80 (52%) were male; and 121 (78%) were of white ethnicity. Levels of existential and religious well-being were similar between adolescents with IBD and healthy peers. In multivariable analyses, existential well-being was associated with mental health (partial R 2 change = .08–.11, p < .01) above and beyond other characteristics (total R 2 = .23, p < .01). Presence of disease moderated both the relationship between existential well-being and emotional functioning and that between religious well-being and depressive symptoms: that is, the relationships were stronger in adolescents with IBD as compared with healthy peers. Religious well-being was only marginally significantly associated with mental health after controlling for other factors. Conclusions Although both healthy adolescents and those with IBD had high levels of spiritual well-being, having IBD moderated the relationship between spiritual well-being and mental health. Meaning/purpose was related to mental health more than was connectedness to the sacred.

Is mentoring throughout the fourth and fifth grades associated with improved psychosocial functioning in children?

This study examined whether mentoring influenced children's self‐concept, anxiety, depression, and relationships with parents and peers over an 18‐month period. We examined 31 mentored children (50% female) and a comparison group of 22 nonmentored children (50% female) at the beginning of a mentoring program in the fall of the fourth‐grade year (mean age = 9.67) and again in the spring of the fifth‐grade year (mean age = 11.25). In fourth grade, 53 children completed the Piers‐Harris Children's Self‐Concept Scale, the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, the Children's Depression Inventory—Short Form, and the People in My Life questionnaire, and 41 children completed the surveys again in fifth grade. Six fourth‐grade and six fifth‐grade teachers completed the Student Behavior Survey. Paired‐sample t‐test analyses indicated meaningful improvement in only mentored children's self‐concept and anxiety. However, neither mentored nor nonmentored children revealed improvements in depression or relationships. Teacher ratings of mentored children did not suggest behavioral changes in the predicted direction. We discuss these counterintuitive findings, along with suggestions for future research.

Impact of Psychosocial Factors on Quality of Life in Overweight Youth

The psychosocial functioning of overweight youth is a growing concern. Research has shown that overweight children report lower quality of life (QOL) than their non-overweight peers. This study sought to extend the literature by examining the association between peer victimization, child depressive symptoms, parent distress, and health-related QOL in overweight youth. Mediator models are used to assess the effect of child depressive symptoms on the relationship between psychosocial variables and QOL. The sample consisted of 96 overweight and at-risk-for-overweight children (mean age=12.8 years) and their parents who were recruited from a Pediatric Endocrinology Obesity Clinic. Parents completed a demographic questionnaire, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-parent-proxy version, and the Brief Symptom Inventory. Children completed the Children's Depression Inventory-Short Form, the Schwartz Peer Victimization Scale, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Increased parent distress, child depressive symptoms, and peer victimization were associated with lower QOL by both parent-proxy and self-report. Child depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between psychosocial variables (parent distress and peer victimization) for self-reported QOL but not for parent-proxy-reported QOL. This study documented the important impact of peer victimization and parental distress on the QOL of overweight children. Expanding our understanding of how overweight children experience and interact with their environment is critical. Further research is needed to examine the mechanisms by which parent distress and peer victimization impact the development of depressive symptoms in overweight children, including coping and support strategies that may buffer these children against the development of depressive symptoms and ultimately lower QOL.

Peer Victimization, Psychosocial Adjustment, and Physical Activity in Overweight and At-Risk-For-Overweight Youth

To examine the relationship between peer victimization and child and parent reports of psychosocial adjustment and physical activity in a clinical sample of at-risk-for-overweight and overweight children and adolescents. The Schwartz Peer Victimization Scale, Children's Depression Inventory-Short Form, Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, Social Physique Anxiety Scale, PACE+ Adolescent Physical Activity Measure, and Asher Loneliness Scale were administered to 92 children and adolescents (54 females) aged 8-18 years. The youth's parent/guardian completed the Child Behavior Checklist. Peer victimization was positively related to child-reported depression, anxiety, social physique anxiety, and loneliness, and parent-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Peer victimization was negatively related to physical activity. Depressive symptoms and loneliness mediated the relations between peer victimization and physical activity. Recognition of the magnitude of the problem and the means of evaluating for peer victimization is important for clinicians who work with overweight youth. Assessing peer experiences may assist in understanding rates of physical activity and/or past nonadherence to clinician recommendations.

Cognitive Predictors of Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms in Adolescence: A Preliminary Investigation

This study examined relations among responsibility attitudes, metacognitive beliefs, and obsessive–compulsive (O–C) symptoms in youth. One hundred sixty-six nonclinical youth (ages 13 to 17 years) completed the following: Responsibility Attitude Scale (RAS; Salkovskis et al., 2000); Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire–Adolescent Version (MCQ–A; Cartwright-Hatton et al., 2004); Children's Depression Inventory–Short Form (CDI–S; Kovacs, 1985); Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS; Reynolds & Richmond, 1978); the Leyton Obsessional Inventory–Child Version Survey Form (LOI–CVS; Berg, Whitaker, Davies, Flament, & Rapoport, 1988). Participants endorsed a range of responsibility and metacognitive beliefs, and both responsibility and metacognition were positively correlated with O–C symptoms. However, when age, sex, and depression were controlled, only metacognition was a predictor of O–C symptoms. The findings suggest metacognition and responsibility may be important correlates of O–C symptoms in youth.

Adults' Attitudes Toward Multiracial Children

A between-groups experimental design was used to examine adults' attitudes to-ward multiracial children of African descent. The purpose was to determine if the races of the respondent, the child, and the child's friends are related to adults' ratings of children's self-perception and depressive symptoms. A total of 156 undergraduate students (African American = 78,European American = 78) read a vignette in which the race of the target child (European American, African American, or multiracial) and the child's friends (European American or African American) were experimentally controlled. Participants assessed the child using a revision of Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Children and a revised version of Kovacs's Children's Depression Inventory—Short Form. Ratings of the child's global self-worth and depressive symptoms were negatively correlated. The results of a 2 X 2 X 3 MANOVA revealed a significant three-way interaction for the races of the child, the respondent, and the child's friends on adults' ratings of the child's peer acceptance. The implications of these findings are discussed.