Life events and depressive symptoms in adolescents

Abstract

This study examined the association between life events and the level of their perceived impact with depressive symptoms in adolescents. A total of 1061 adolescents of both sexes (13 - 16 years) were evaluated through self-report questionnaires (Life Events Checklist and Children's Depression Inventory). Results showed that positive life events decrease the level of depressive symptoms, while negative ones increase them. The perceived impact level of negative life events increases the degree of depressive symptoms, while a significant interaction with students’ origin was observed (native people perceived a greater impact). Considering the subtypes of life events, family, school and negative health increased the level of depressive symptoms while it decreased with social life events. Results on the perceived impact of these subtypes depend on the type of event and the age of the subjects.