José Concepción Gaxiola Romero

Depresión adolescente: factores de riesgo y apoyo social como factor protector

The aim of this study was to evaluate a structural equation model, the relation of negative aspects in the neighborhood, school, high-risk peers, self-regulation problems and life events with adolescent depression, as well as the protective role of social support. The subjects were 113 consenting adolescents from a vulnerable sector in a city northwest of Mexico. To measure the study’s variables participants responded to a set of Likert scales which had been validated in the region. Results from the structural equation model indicate that negative aspects in the environment, friends and life events constitute risk factors for depression, which are moderately mitigated by social support. The development of programs which promote social support in vulnerable adolescents is suggested.