Introduction
It is not unusual for young people to experience some lows as they adjust to their teenage years. These years are quite unsettling due to the body changes, search for identity and the academic pressures that adolescents have to deal with. However, when the lows become a persistent part of the teenager's life, it is termed as depression (Evans &Schumacher, 2002). Adolescent depression is a psychological disorder that affects the manner in which adolescents behave, think, or perceive the world. This paper aims to answer two major questions surrounding adolescent depression; 1. What factors contribute to adolescent depression? 2. What is the impact of adolescent depression on adolescents?
Rationale of the Research Project
The primary reason behind this project is to find out the reasons behind the rising cases of adolescent depression. Kutcher (2007) implies that in the last one decade, the level of adolescent depression has risen by 30%. The American Psychological Association further asserts that the possibility of further increase in the number of depressed adolescents is likely (American Psychological Association). There is a close and direct link between depression in adolescents and poor academic performance, antisocial behaviors and lack of interest in activities that the individual once had.
Additionally, in carrying out this project, I intend to find out the link between depression and drug abuse and addiction. Past studies have shown a close connection between depression and drug addiction. Today, the likeliness of adolescents to become addicted to drugs has increased significantly. Parents and educators are worried about the future of depressed adolescents who turn to drugs for consolation. It goes without saying that the issue of depression amongst adolescents should be handled with a lot of urgencies. A solution to prevent and effectively treat depression in adolescence must be sought for and implemented. According to Curry (2014) depression during adolescents is likely to reoccur when an individual is in their mid-twenties. For this reason, it's important to address the issue of depression at an early age to reduce the likeliness of the same occurring in mid-adulthood.
Project Goals
· To identify the key factors that contribute to the occurrence of adolescent depression
· To identify the negative impacts of adolescent depression in social interactions and academic performance
Statement of Relevance
More than ever, the cases of adolescent depression has hit a peak in the 21st century (Bohman et. al, 2010). The issue needs to be discussed, researched and solved with urgency. Depression affects the quality of life of an individual. It is impossible for adolescents to live normal lives and do things that teenagers would do when they are depressed most of the times (Thapar, et. Al, 2010). To allow adolescents to mature effectively into adulthood, the factors that contribute to depression must be identified and dealt with accordingly. Additionally recent studies have highlighted the recurrence of depression in adults who suffer from depression during their adolescent stage (Benjamin, Hankin and Linda, 2007). This raises the urgency with which adolescent depression must be handled.
Section 3
Bohman, H., Jonsson, U., Von Knorring, A., Von Knorring, L., Päären, A., & Olsson, G. (2010).
Somatic symptoms as a marker for severity in adolescent depression. Acta Paediatrica, 99(11), 1724-1730. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2010.01906.x
This study aims to demonstrate the somatic symptoms that are common in adolescent depression. According to this study, multiple somatic symptoms in depression imply severity in terms of depth, duration, and psychiatric comorbidity. The study sheds light on the strong correlation between depressed adolescents, suicidal attempts, suicidal plans and disruptive behavior.
Benjamin L. Hankin, Mermelstein, R., & Linda Roesch. (2007). Sex Differences in Adolescent
Depression: Stress Exposure and Reactivity Models. Child Development, 78(1), 279-295. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/4139225
This study investigates on the gender differences in adolescent depression. In its findings, more girls than boys experience adolescent depression. The study explains that the physical, social, biological and emotional changes that mark adolescence take a toll on the girls more than it does on the boys. Girls begin to internalize emotional problems, and this could last through adulthood.
Curry, J. (2014). Future Directions in Research on Psychotherapy for Adolescent Depression.
Journal Of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 43(3), 510-526. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2014.904233
This study outlines the recurring tendencies of depression. The study aims at providing a long-term solution in addressing depression. Most psychotherapy and attachment-based family therapies explore on short-term solutions to depression. However, the study asserts that since depression is likely to recur, a long-term solution should be used in approaching treatment of the same.
Desha, L., Nicholson, J., & Ziviani, J. (2011). Adolescent Depression and Time Spent with
Parents and Siblings. Social Indicators Research, 101(2), 233-238. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/41476435
This study examines symptoms of depression in adolescence as well as the time spent with parents and siblings. The study emphasizes the salience of parent relationship and depression in adolescent. Children who spend more time with their parents and siblings are less likely to suffer from depression as compared to their peers who do not spend any time with parent and siblings. Time with parents is a determiner of acceptance in adolescence and helps to keep depression at bay.
Evans, J., Van Velsor, P., & Schumacher, J. (2002). Addressing Adolescent Depression: A Role
for School Counselors. Professional School Counseling, 5(3), 211-219. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/42732341
This study examines the role of school counselors in determining depression and helping students recover from depression. It highlights the approaches that school counselors should take when dealing with students who suffer from depression.
Hammen, C. (2009). Adolescent Depression: Stressful Interpersonal Contexts and Risk for
Recurrence. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 18(4), 200-204. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20696031
Based on this study, interpersonal dysfunction in adolescence contributes significantly to depression both during adolescence and in adulthood. Women according to this study are the most affected when it comes to maladaptive behavior and developing depression. Occurrences of depression during adolescence can increase the likelihood of someone having depression during their adulthood years.
Kutcher, S. (2007). Treating depression in children and adolescents. European Psychiatry, 22,
S40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2007.01.157
This study looks into the several approaches used in psychotherapy and attachment-based family therapies in the treatment of depression. It focuses on giving long-term solutions to depressed children and adolescents and preventing the occurrence of the same.
American Psychological Association. Major Depression in Adolescence Can Reoccur in
Adulthood and Diminish Quality of Life. (2017). http://www.apa.org. Retrieved 19 October 2017, from http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2003/08/reoccur-depress.aspx
This study points out to the fact that young adults who experience depression, especially before the age of 19 are more vulnerable to relapse as they mature into adulthood. Young adults who suffer depression before the age of 18 exhibits pervasive impairment in several areas of their lives as compared to normal adults.
Platt, B., Kadosh, K., & Lau, J. (2013). The Role Of Peer Rejection In Adolescent Depression.
Depression And Anxiety, 30(9), 809-821. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/da.22120
This study attempts to explain the psychological stressors that contribute to depression. It explains the role of peer rejection ion depression amongst adolescents citing the maladaptive behaviors that teenagers may engage in once they feel left out by their peers. Based on this study, rejection by peers is a key contributor to depression.
Thapar, A., Collishaw, S., Potter, R., & Thapar, A. (2010). Managing and preventing depression
in adolescents. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 340(7740), 254-258. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/25673877
This study reflects on the possibilities of managing and preventing adolescent depression. Based on this study, parents and educators have to work together to support depressed adolescents. Most often than not, depression starts within the family domain. When families give a protective and stable support to adolescence, their likelihood to become depressed reduces significantly.
Section Four
Time Management
To effectively manage my time, I have set aside 20 hours every week for my coursework. During the weekday, I will study for 2 hours daily and do my assignments and research for 2 hours. On a daily basis, I will spend 4 hours on my studies and research/assignments.
Research Methods
I will rely on secondary sources for information detailing my area of research. I will use credible and reliable internet information as well as textbooks and peer-reviewed articles in the library to support my research. I will also utilize my group meetings to gather more information from my peers. I will ensure to prove information gathered from my peers before I can include it on my research to ensure credibility.
Additionally, I will perform one on one interviews with high school counselors and psychologists who have dealt with adolescents to gather more insight on adolescent depression.
List of Support People
Peers
Tutors
Librarian
High school counselors
Psychologists