Adolescent depression must be evaluated in the context of precipitants, stressors
and academic, social and family functioning. Depression in adolescents can
interfere with normal developmental tasks that involve academic, social and
family functioning. Family support is partially important in the normal
development of young people. The present study investigated the impact of
family support among depressed adolescents.
There has been increasing emphasis on interpersonal factors in adolescents'
depression that contribute to recurrence of depression. There is no single
unifying social model of depression but rather various theoretical developments
that emphasize interpersonal cognitions and behaviours. Depressed individuals
often function poorly in relationships with family members. However, negative
attitudes by family members may precipitate relapses.
A survey was conducted to explore the impact of family support on depressed
adolescents. A. sample of 50 depressed adolescents was randomly selected from
Weskoppies Adolescent Unit in Pretoria. There were equal numbers of males
and females with ages ranging from 12 to 20 years. The mean age was 15.7
years. The research instruments consisted of the Differential Loneliness Scale,
Beck Depression Inventory and Family Functioning in Adolescents'
Questionnaire.
The main finding of the study was that the depressed adolescents showed social
isolation from family members. Experts say social isolation for depressed
patients is distressingly common. However, previous researchers have found that
social isolation may allow a depressed person to worsen dramatically without
intervention. The study did not support the hypothesis that adolescent with poor
family relationship show higher levels of depression than those with good family
relationship. This may suggest that family environment has a big impact on
adolescent development. It has been reported that depressed children who live in
families with high level of chronic conflicts are more likely to have relapses.
There were no significant differences between male and female adolescents'
level of depression. Factors such as social experiences and psychosocial
stressors play an important role in adolescent' depression. Therefore, both male
and female adolescents' level of depression depend on psychosocial and
cognitive explanations.
The findings in the study had several implications: As family relationship had no
significant relation with adolescent depression, the findings revealed that family
environment was a critical factor in adolescent development. These finding also
suggest important guidelines for preventing(adolescent depression. The study
also demonstrated the importance of how male and female adolescents deal with
stress, as that might lead to depression. The study can also be used as a guide
for therapeutic interventions with a depressed adolescent. / (M.Soc.Sc.) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2003
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/11408 |
| Date | January 2003 |
| Creators | Masilo, Vidoh Francina |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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