Depression from Childhood through Adolescence: Risk Mechanisms across Multiple Systems and Levels of Analysis
Publication Date
8-2015
Document Type
Article
Organizational Units
College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, Psychology
Keywords
Developmental epidemiology, Preschool, Child, Adolescence, Depression
Abstract
This paper selectively reviews recent research, especially in the last two years (2012–2014) in preschool, child, and adolescent depression. In particular, attention is paid to developmental epidemiology as well as risk factors and processes that contribute to depression trajectories over time. Emphasis is placed on a developmental psychopathology perspective in which risks are instantiated across multiple systems and levels of analysis, including genetics, stress contexts and processes, biological stress mechanisms, temperament, emotion, reward, cognitive factors and processes, and interpersonal influences. These risks dynamically transact over time, as they emerge and stabilize into relatively trait-like vulnerabilities that confer risk for the increasing rates of depression observed in adolescence. Overall, this summary illustrates that considerable progress has been made recently in understanding the complex developmental processes contributing to depression. Finally, a few gaps are highlighted as opportunities for future research.
Publication Statement
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Recommended Citation
Hankin, B. L. (2015). Depression from childhood through adolescence: Risk mechanisms across multiple systems and levels of analysis. Current Opinion in Psychology, 4, 13-20. DOI:10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.01.003.