This paper examines the impact of risk factors during early adolescence on depression symptoms and major depressive disorder during young adulthood in a multiethnic cohort that has been followed, utilizing four data waves, from entrance into public middle school (mean age 12.6 years) up to the transition to young adulthood (ages 19-21 years old). The sample (n=1208) consists of White non-Hispanics (28.6%), African Americans (24.7%), U.S. born Hispanics (28.1%) and foreign born Hispanics (18.7%). Although there is a substantial literature suggesting the importance for mental health of certain risk factors, and of the accumulation of risk factors, at least two critical needs remain. First, studies are needed that examine the long-term effects of risk factors through the use of longitudinal models, and that examine variations in the longitudinal effects of risk factors across ethnic groups. Cross-sectional studies with multiethnic samples have demonstrated ethnic differences in the effects of specific risk factors. This paper examines the longitudinal and cumulative effects of risk factors from family, school, peer and personal domains. Our results contribute toward a better understanding of ethnic variations in the role and significance of risk factors over time, and are therefore of relevance to prevention efforts within multiethnic populations of adolescents and young adults.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will become familiar with new information of the long-term significance of early risk factors for depression. They will be informed with respect to cultural differences in the relevance and significance of such factors.
Keywords: Depression, Risk Factors
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.