Childhood depression in a selected group of low‐achieving seventh‐graders

Abstract

Junior high school teachers nominated students exhibiting five behavioral characteristics thought to be indicative of an underlying state of depression. Students were matched with a comparison group for age, sex, race and standardized reading scores, and both groups were studied using psychological measures, student and parent interviews, behavior checklists completed by parents and teachers, and school records. Results showed the following significant differences (p<.05): nominated students were rated by teachers as more task avoidant, anxious and introverted; by parents as less socially competent; and by clinicians as lower in overall affect. The parents of nominated students had less schooling and were more likely to use corporal punishment. Nominated students had more school absence and tardiness than comparison group students.