AI Article Synopsis
- A study on Norwegian adolescents found that low social skills at age 12.5 were linked to higher depressive symptoms by age 16.5 for both genders.
- For girls, a lack of support from friends during middle adolescence (age 14.5) was a key factor in this relationship, while boys did not show the same pattern.
- The research highlights the need for social skills training in preventative programs aimed at reducing depression, particularly to help girls navigate interpersonal challenges.
Article Abstract
The current population-based study of Norwegian adolescents examined gender-specific patterns in the prospective association between social skills in early adolescence (age 12.5; n = 566) and changes in depressive symptoms from early to late adolescence (age 16.5; n = 375). Further, a potential mediation effect of social support (from peers, parents, and teachers) in middle adolescence (age 14.5; n = 456) was examined. The findings indicated that low levels of social skills in early adolescence predicted increases in depressive symptoms for both girls and boys. Low levels of friend support in middle adolescence mediated this relationship for girls, but not boys. The findings underline the importance of including social skills training in primary programs designed to prevent development of depression. Preventive programs should also include actions on how girls can cope with interpersonal difficulties.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2012.08.005 | DOI Listing |
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