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This study was designed to address multiple questions surrounding the broad topic of adolescent depression in magnet school adolescents. All participants in this study were drawn from a magnet high school for academics/talented arts in a metropolitan Louisiana city. This study therefore adds to the limited base of literature which addresses the prevelance of depressive symptoms in this population. The relationship between depression and numerous factors was examined as well, including locus of control, grade point average, race, gender, socioeconomic status, and school attendance. In addition, the study investigated the degree to which adolescent self-reports and teacher ratings agree in this population, while also looking at personal and professional characteristics that may have influenced teacher ratings. Results from this investigation revealed high rates of depressive symptoms in this population, with 29% of student self-reports and 24% of teacher reports suggesting significant levels of depression. Levels of agreement between the student and teacher forms were low. The relationship between depression assessments and scholastic correlates (attendance, G.P.A.) failed to meet the criteria selected for statistical significance (alpha=.01). Stronger correlations were observed between depression self-assessments and psycho-social factors (stressful life events and locus of control). An analysis of teacher assessments indicated that significant between-group variations existed when teacher rating forms, divided by gender and attitude regarding adolescent depression, were compared. Finally, in addition to addressing the primary research considerations noted here, the results section of this study presents findings which suggest that short term, school-based counseling may be an effective means for reducing symptoms of depression in adolescents. |
