Gender-Related Factors for Depressive Symptoms in Turkish Adolescents.

Problem: Currently more adolescents suffer from mental health problems than compared to the past.

Purpose: This study was designed to extend the knowledge of depressive symptoms in adolescence and to determine the gender-related factors associated with it.

Methods: The study sample consisted of (N = 487) adolescents. The Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-S), and UCLA loneliness scale (UCLA-LS) were completed by the participants.

Findings: Among the study population, 26.6% (n = 130) scored ≥ 19 on the CDI, which was the cut-off point. UCLA-LS, hyperactivity and conduct problems, and peer problems subscale scores of SDQ-S were found significantly higher in males (p < .05). Emotional symptoms, pro-social behavior subscale scores of SDQ-S, and a family member, a friend subscale scores of MSPSS were found significantly higher in females (p < .05). For males, loneliness and hyperactivity and conduct problems, while for females, emotional symptoms and loneliness (p < .05) were predictive variables. Pro-social behavior and perceived family member support were protective variables for females scoring high enough to be diagnosed with depression (p < .05).

Conclusion: We suggest further studies to confirm these results as well as establishing strategies for better detection of depressive symptoms when working on adolescents.