Depression in Kids Causes Problems Later

(Ivanhoe Newswire)– Many children suffer from depression and have a hard time in peer relationships, but until recently there has never been much insight into why this occurs.

A recent study focused on children in their middle adolescent years and found that depression can predict future peer relationship problems, including bullying and not fitting in.

Researchers at the Arizona State University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign studied approximately 480 youths from fourth through sixth grades. In the spring of each of academic year, the children and their classmates, teachers, and parents completed surveys that measured their symptoms of depression, peer victimization, and peer acceptance.

The study found that being depressed in fourth grade predicted being victimized by peers in fifth grade, and forecasting that the child would continue to have difficulty fitting in during their sixth grade year.

“The findings call into question the often-made assumption that relationship problems cause psychological problems like depression,” Karen P. Kochel, assistant research professor at Arizona State University, was quoted as saying. “Rather, depression might in some circumstances leave a lasting scar that interferes with key developmental milestones, such as the ability to establish healthy relationships with peers.”

These findings can help parents, teachers, and others who work with children, especially those involved with prevention and early intervention efforts with youths who are depressed to find a method that can reduce problems later on.

Kochel was quoted as saying, “school personnel, as well as parents, should make efforts to recognize symptoms of depression in preadolescents and early adolescents, and minimize the negative influence of depressive symptoms on youths’ peer relationships.”

SOURCE: Child Development, February 8, 2012