This paper investigates the long-term effects of adolescent social relationships to parents, friends and siblings on adult mental health. It is hypothesized that the quality of adolescent social relationships affects adolescent depression. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that the quality of adolescent social relationships affects the rate of decline of depression from adolescence into adulthood. Using longitudinal data from 1209 adolescents, models are constructed to test these hypotheses. The results support the view that for females, but not for males, social relationships--as measured as an index of ties to parents, friends and siblings--are significantly related to adolescent depression. Female adolescents with stronger ties overall are less depressed. Results investigating the long-term effects of social relationships indicate that for males, but not females, the social relationship index is significantly associated with a change in depression. Males with higher scores on the social relationship index and the parental warmth scale experience greater declines in depression in adulthood. For each additional unit gained on the four point parental warmth scale, an adult males has an additional 0.17 decline from his adolescent level of depression. Results are discussed within a lifecourse perspective.
Learning Objectives: To understand the long-term effects of social relationships.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Depression
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.