University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Interactive contribution of peer stress and executive function deficits in predicting adolescent depression

Agoston, Anna M.

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Anna_Agoston.pdf

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/50612

Description

Title
Interactive contribution of peer stress and executive function deficits in predicting adolescent depression
Author(s)
Agoston, Anna M.
Issue Date
2014-09-16
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Rudolph, Karen D.
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Rudolph, Karen D.
Committee Member(s)
  • Heller, Wendy
  • Berenbaum, Howard
  • Verona, Edelyn
  • Rodkin, Philip C.
  • Roberts, Brent W.
Department of Study
Psychology
Discipline
Psychology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Date of Ingest
2014-09-16T17:24:21Z
Keyword(s)
  • peer relations
  • executive functioning
  • depression
Abstract
Considering that cumulative exposure to stressful peer events may lead to increases in psychopathology, particularly depression, it is important to examine individual-level factors that may increase the likelihood of experiencing future negative outcomes. This research investigated the interactive contribution of peer stress and executive function (EF) deficits in predicting depressive symptoms across middle childhood (2nd grade) to early adolescence (6th grade). Sex differences were also examined in these relations. Youth (M age = 7.95, SD = .37; 267 girls, 227 boys) completed questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to assess peer stress and depression, respectively, and teachers completed the Behavior Rating Scale of Executive Function (BRIEF), a measure assessing everyday, typical performance in areas of EF. Interactions were examined for peer stress and specific EF deficits (i.e., working memory, planning/organization, inhibition, and shifting) in predicting depression. In the total sample, there were main effects of peer stress, planning/organization, and shifting, as well as sex and previous levels of depression. Notably, stressful peer events interacted with inhibition and shifting deficits to predict depression over time in girls only, such that higher levels of stress predicted more depressive symptoms in girls but not boys with high inhibition and shifting deficits. This study extends research on areas of vulnerability that moderate stressful experiences to lead to depression over time, in turn elucidating potential targets for interventions preventing negative psychological outcomes in youth.
Graduation Semester
2014-08
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/50612
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2014 Anna Agoston

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