1-147 - Applying Symptoms-Driven Models of Depression to the Study of Peer Relationship Adversity

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

It is well-known that depression is an important correlate of peer difficulties. Only recently, however, has evidence begun to accrue in strong support of symptoms-driven models, which emphasize the role of depression in the development of peer relationship adversity. The purpose of this symposium is to showcase research on depression as a risk factor for peer relationship difficulties. Notably, the papers in this symposium reflect a variety of perspectives (youth, parents, peers), include an analysis of multiple forms of peer relationships in late elementary through high school, and provide tests of mechanisms potentially accounting for, or altering, associations between depression and peer difficulties.

Results from Paper 1 showed that a symptoms-driven model, in which depression predicted victimization and rejection over the course of 5th to 12th grade, was the best-fitting model regardless of whether depression was self- or parent-reported. In Paper 2, results showed that 6th grade boys with high levels of peer-reported depression experienced decreases in peer-reported social preference a year later, but this effect was moderated by extra-curricular sports participation. In Paper 3, gender was explored as another moderator of prospective links between depression and peer difficulties. A key finding was that, for girls only, 10th grade self-worth mediated the association between 9th grade depression (indicated by self- and parent-reports) and 11th grade peer victimization. Paper 4 provided evidence about depression’s contribution to adolescents’ online interpersonal behaviors. Specifically, boys who reported higher depression also reported greater engagement in technology-based social comparison and feedback-seeking one year later.

Sub Unit

• Social Relationships

Chairs

• Karen Kochel, University of Richmond

• Catherine Bagwell, Oxford College of Emory University

Individual Presentations

• Symptoms-Driven Models of Depression in Childhood and Adolescence - Presenting Author: Tracy Vaillancourt, University of Ottawa; Amanda L Krygsman, University of Ottawa

• Can Sports Participation Mitigate the Predictive Link Between Depression and Peer Rejection? - Presenting Author: Mara Brendgen, University of Quebec at Montreal; Frank Vitaro, University of Montreal; Andreann Perron-Gelinas, University of Quebec in Montreal

• Depression, Self-Worth, and Peer Victimization from 9th to 12th Grade: Investigating a Symptoms-Driven Mediation Model by Gender - Presenting Author: Karen Kochel, University of Richmond; Catherine Bagwell, Oxford College of Emory University; Gary W Ladd, Arizona State University; Karen D. Rudolph, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign

• Depressive Symptoms Associated with Adolescents' Maladaptive Technology-Based Interpersonal Behaviors: A Multi-Wave Study - Presenting Author: Jacqueline Nesi, UNC Chapel Hill, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience; Adam Bryant Miller, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Mitchell J. Prinstein, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill