Depressive symptoms from kindergarten to early school age: Longitudinal associations with social skills deficits and peer victimization

被引：39

作者：

Perren S. ^{[1
]}

Alsaker F.D. ^{[2
]}

机构：

[1] Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zürich, 8001 Zürich

[2] Department of Psychology, University of Berne, 3000 Bern 9

来源：

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health | / 3卷 / 1期

关键词：

Depressive Symptom; Social Skill; Social Participation; Emotional Symptom; Aggressive Child;

D O I：

10.1186/1753-2000-3-28

中图分类号：

学科分类号：

摘要：

Background: Depressive symptoms in children are associated with social skills deficits and problems with peers. We propose a model which suggests different mechanisms for the impact of deficits in self-oriented social skills (assertiveness and social participation) and other-oriented social skills (pro-social, cooperative and non-aggressive behaviors) on children's depressive symptoms. We hypothesized that deficits in self-oriented social skills have a direct impact on children's depressive symptoms because these children have non-rewarding interactions with peers, whereas the impact of deficits in other-oriented social skills on depressive symptoms is mediated through negative reactions from peers such as peer victimization. Method: 378 kindergarten children (163 girls) participated at two assessments (Age at T1: M = 5.8, T2: M = 7.4). Teachers completed questionnaires on children's social skills at T1. Teacher reports on peer victimization and depressive symptoms were assessed at both assessment points. Results: Our study partially confirmed the suggested conceptual model. Deficits in self-oriented social skills significantly predicted depressive symptoms, whereas deficits in other-oriented social skills were more strongly associated with peer victimization. Longitudinal associations between other-oriented social skills and depressive symptoms were mediated through peer victimization. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the role of deficits in self-oriented social skills and peer victimization for the development of internalizing disorders. © 2009 Perren and Alsaker; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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