Forms of peer victimization in adolescence: Covariation with symptoms of depression.

This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of mental health outcomes, particularly depression, anxiety, and insomnia, in adolescents with frequent peer victimization experiences (FPVEs). In this cross-sectional study, 490 adolescents reported having FPVEs (prevalence, 4.2%; mean age, 13.40 ± 1.38 years old; 52.2% male) completed a series of surveys to evaluate their demographic factors and mental health status. The results showed that the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and insomnia were 50.3%, 33.8%, and 40.2%, respectively. Older age, being female, being left behind, and more adverse childhood experiences were correlated with more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia among adolescents with FPVEs. At the same time, social support and self-compassion were good for ameliorating these mental health problems. Implications for intervention programs designed to improve the mental health of adolescents with FPVEs were also discussed.

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Peer victimization during adolescence: concurrent and prospective impact on symptoms of depression and anxiety

Anxiety Stress & Coping ◽

10.1080/10615806.2014.962023 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 105-120 ◽

Cited By ~ 67

Author(s):

Lexine A. Stapinski ◽

Ricardo Araya ◽

Jon Heron ◽

Alan A. Montgomery ◽

Paul Stallard

Keyword(s):

Peer Victimization ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Symptoms Of Depression

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Suicidal Behavior in German Adolescents

Zeitschrift für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie ◽

10.1024/1422-4917/a000331 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 39-45 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Joana Straub ◽

Ferdinand Keller ◽

Nina Sproeber ◽

Michael G. Koelch ◽

Paul L. Plener

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Behavior ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Present Sample ◽

Manic Symptoms ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Adolescent Sample ◽

History Of ◽

Sum Scores

Objective: Research in adults has identified an association between bipolar disorder and suicidal behavior. This relationship, however, has been insufficiently investigated in adolescents to date. Methods: 1,117 adolescents from 13 German schools (mean age = 14.83, SD = .63; 52.7% females) completed an extended German version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), which assesses depressive and manic symptoms during the last week, as well as the Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire (SHBQ) for the assessment of lifetime suicidal behavior. Results: In the present sample 39.4% of the girls and 23.1% of the boys reported lifetime suicidal thoughts and 7.1% of the girls as well as 3.9% of the boys a lifetime history of suicide attempts. 18.7% of the adolescent sample revealed elevated symptoms of depression and 9% elevated levels of mania symptoms. Elevated sum scores of depression and mania were associated with a higher number of suicidal ideations and suicide attempts. A block-wise regression analysis revealed that sum scores of depression and mania predicted suicidal ideations best. Concerning suicide attempts, the best predictors were age as well as depression and mania sum scores. Conclusions: Suicidal behavior was reported more often when adolescents demonstrate symptoms of mania as well as symptoms of depression than when they demonstrate only depressive symptoms. The presence of bipolar symptoms in adolescents should alert clinicians to the heightened possibility of suicidal behavior.

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