Depression among Asian American adolescents: a multifaceted examination of risk and protective factors

Depression among adolescents is a public health concern. The present study examines the impact of sex, grade level, employment status, parental support, school-related influences, engagement in prosocial activities, and participation in risky behaviors on the mental well-being of Asian American youth. A secondary data analysis of the 2020 Student Drug Use Survey was conducted. Of the N = 2332 Asian American youth, 19.6% (n = 456) reported depression. Of these, 24.2% (n = 286) identified as female, and 14.5% (n = 163) identified as male. Furthermore, univariate logistic regression analysis and logistic regression model analyses were employed. The final logistic regression model was found to be significant and suggests that lack of parental support, involvement in prosocial activities, and involvement in risky behaviors can predict depression among Asian American high school youth. The findings of this research study hold significant implications for the development of targeted interventions aimed at addressing depression among Asian American high school students. Identifying specific predictors such as the lack of parental factors, engagement in prosocial activities, and participation in risky behaviors provides valuable insights for educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers. By recognizing these influential factors, interventions can be tailored to enhance parental involvement, promote prosocial activities, and mitigate risky behaviors, thus potentially reducing the prevalence of depression among Asian American youth in high school.