It is well documented that depression is the most common disorder of all mental illnesses. According to the U.S.DHHS, one in five children and adolescents has a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Childhood and adolescent depression has emerged as a public health concern because of its impairment of functioning particularly in the domain of decision making and self-efficacy. The present investigation examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and decision making in a nonclinical community sample of low-income African American adolescents. A sample of 276 male and female students aged 12-17 years drawn from two public schools in West Tennessee participated in the study. Respondents had no diagnosed learning disability and were not receiving antidepressive medication at the time of the study. The Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) was used to assess self-reported depressive symptomatology among participants. A score of 19 or greater suggests positive depressive symptom. The Flinders Adolescent Decision Making Questionnaire (FADMQ), based on conflict theory, was used for assessing participants decision making patterns. A maximum score of 18 on vigilance and decision self-esteem indicates careful decision making and confidence in making sound decisions. The instruments were administered in classroom settings. Data analyses indicated that respondents screening positive for depressive symptoms reported greater use of maladaptive decision coping styles. Ineffectiveness in the CDI scales had strong negative correlation with decision self-esteem in the FADMQ scales regardless of age. Results and implications for early interventions with “at risk” adolescent populations as well as lessons learned will be presented.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to: 1. Discuss the link between depression and decision making coping patterns among adolescents. 2. Recognize the need to consider using self-report as a first stage assessment for depression and decision making toward mental health prevention intervention programming for children and adolescents. 3. Discusss the lessons learned from this study particularly with African American adolescents.
Keywords: Depression, Decision-Making
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.