Predictors of Depression In Middle-School Girls

Um, Hwa Yun; Lee, Haejung; Jee, Young Ju

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore the levels of depression and predictors of depression in middle-school girls. METHOD: A self-report survey was conducted with 2nd and 3rd grade students in a girls' middle school (N=401) in Pusan. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simultaneous multiple regression using the SPSS program.
RESULTS
The mean score for the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) was 20.63. The level of depression was negatively related to problem-solving ability, self-esteem, total household income, school achievement, self-perception of body-image, and satisfaction in relationships with siblings, parents, and friends. A multivariate approach showed that predictors explained 61% of variance in depression. Significant predictors of depression were self-esteem (beta=-.38), problem-solving ability (beta=-.34), and satisfaction in relationships with friends (beta=-.14) and parents (beta=-.08).
CONCLUSION
The findings suggest that it is important to develop educational programs to increase self-esteem and problem-solving abilities in middle school girls. Considering the high levels of depression in middle school girls, school nurses play an important role in detecting and reducing emotional tension among these students. Nursing interventions, including art therapy, problem-solving counseling, and bibliotherapy could be useful in enhancing self-esteem, problem-solving abilities, and satisfaction in relationship with friends, siblings and parents.