Risk and protective factors associated with depression among adolescents

This study examined risk and protective factors associated with depression among adolescents in the United States. A sample of 11,738 participants with current or past depression who were between 12 and 17 years was selected from the 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health. Two multivariable logistic regression models examined the relationship between six predictors (being bullied, bullied others, difficulties making or keeping friends, family communication, school engagement, and involvement in extracurricular activities) and outcome variables (past or current depression). Results showed that being bullied or bullying others increased the likelihood of past and current depression. Having little or no difficulties making or keeping friends and engagement in school and extracurricular activities reduced the odds of having past or current depression. Frequent family communication reduced the likelihood of current, but not past depression. Results were significant beyond the associations between covariates (sex, age levels, race, and federal poverty levels) and dependent variables. Caregivers and health professionals should encourage positive social connections with family and peers as well as participation in school and extracurricular activities to protect adolescents from depression.