J Pediatr Health Care. 2024 Sep 21:S0891-5245(24)00171-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.06.016. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study examines the associations between family and friend support and depressive and anxiety symptoms among adolescents, considering potential sex differences.
METHODS: Secondary data from a longitudinal cohort study of 1,348 adolescents ages 11-17 were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression, controlling for relevant factors. Interaction terms between sex and support were created to examine moderation by sex.
RESULTS: Youth who reported higher family support reported lower depressive symptoms (b = -0.53, p < .001) and lower anxiety symptoms (b = -0.39, p < .001). Similarly, youth’s higher reported friend support was associated with lower depressive symptoms (b = -0.52, p < .001) and lower anxiety symptoms (b = -0.44, p < .001). Effects were not modified by sex.
CONCLUSION: Understanding modifiable factors such as supportive systems is important to mitigate mental health disorders. Further investigation of protective factors for promoting adolescent mental health is needed.
PMID:39306785 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.06.016
