1. The relationship between adolescent depression and a history of sexual abuse
- Author
-
Ruth S, Buzi, Maxine L, Weinman, and Peggy B, Smith
- Subjects
Adult ,Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ,Depressive Disorder ,Adolescent ,Sexual Behavior ,Psychology, Adolescent ,Sex Offenses ,Hispanic or Latino ,Black or African American ,Risk-Taking ,Socioeconomic Factors ,Adolescent Behavior ,Risk Factors ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Southwestern United States ,Humans ,Female - Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the occurrence of depression among adolescents attending family planning clinics, and to determine the relationship among depression, a history of sexual abuse, and other risk behaviors. The sample consisted of 279 minority females. Results of the study indicated that 40 adolescents (14.3%) scored at or above a raw score of 77 for depression based on the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale (RADS). This suggests that these adolescents should be identified for further evaluation. Results of the Stepwise Linear Regression indicated that a history of sexual abuse was the most potent factor in predicting depression. These findings highlight the importance of screening concurrently for depression and a history of sexual abuse in family planning and other healthcare settings.
- Published
- 2008