Personal Variables – A Predictor of Depression among Adolescents

Abstract

Aim: Depression is a disorder that is defined by certain emotional, behavioral and thought patterns. Hence this study was planned to verify the depression status of adolescents in Haryana across personal variables. Study Design: A cross – sectional study was conducted on 460 adolescents of 11th and 12th standard in Haryana. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Haryana, between July 2013 and December 2013. Methodology: Children Depression Inventory (CDI) was used to assess the depression status of adolescents. Results: Female adolescents (18%) i.e., slightly above average (8.4%) and much above average (10.11%) were more depressed than male adolescents (14%) i.e., slightly above average (8.2%) and much above average (6%). The adolescents studying in 12th standard (Mean = 10.7) were more depressed as compared to adolescents of 11th standard (Mean = 9.4). Results further exposed that as adolescents go to junior to high class, chances of depression (r = 0.10, p < 0.05) also increases. Conclusion: Depression has been shown to have a significant negative impact on a youth’s quality of life. The finding emphasizes the need for screening for depressive symptomatology and identifying adolescents who need further intervention.