Adolescence represents a vital developmental stage in which teens form self-concepts and build emotional foundations needed to face the challenges of the adolescent years, and ultimately adulthood. Teenagers who suffer from depression not only face short-term risks, such as cognitive dysfunction, substance abuse, and even suicide, but they are often left with psychological wounds that adversely affect their social functioning and health well into adulthood. Estimates that female adolescents are twice as likely to become depressed as their male counterparts suggest that psychological impairment is manifested in gender-specific ways. This study examines the discrepant influences of same-sex and cross-sex parents, as well as the mediation of adolescent scholastic achievement and self-esteem, to adolescent depressive symptomatology. Though the journey through adolescence may be challenging, the voyage through it can and should be eased.
This book is addressed to parents, school personnel, counselors, and researchers of diverse disciplines who seek to gain insight into the gender-specific sources that contribute to adolescent depressed mood.