PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

The development of aggressive and depressive problems during adolescence

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The present study proposes to investigate the development of aggressive and depressive problems during adolescence using developmental psychopathology as a conceptual framework. Developmental psychopathology is concerned with individual differences in the predictors, course, and outcomes of adaptive and maladaptive developmental processes. Three objectives are proposed: (1) to identify groups of adolescents exhibiting differential levels of distinct or combined aggressive and depressive problems across time, (2) to investigate the relationship of risk and protective factors to aggressive and depressive problems, and (3) to identify differential outcomes of aggressive and depressive problems. These objectives will be tested in a sample of 700 European adolescents. To investigate co-occurrence during adolescence a longitudinal model will be employed across four consecutive years (grades 7 to 10). Data will be analyzed using the longitudinal person-oriented methodology General Growth Mixture Modeling (GGMM). This is the first study to investigate the co-occurrence between aggressive and depressive problems using GGMM, and the study is expected to provide evidence of how and why aggressive and depressive problems, two symptoms from different diagnostic classes representing separate forms of psychopathology, co-occur in children. Furthermore, findings of the current study can provide evidence that may lead to effective interventions and treatments. Moreover, using the template provided by the proposed study on how to investigate co-occurrence, future studies conducted in the EU can inform the world about co-occurring disorders and therefore enhancing EU scientific excellence. The Marie Curie International Reintegration Grant will enhance the career development of the researcher, strengthen his collaborations with researchers in the United States, and allow the researcher to offer his expertise at community level and also enhance EU competitiveness.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Adolescence is a time of turmoil and transition to adulthood. Aggression and depression during this time can negatively affect children and their families.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

'The development of aggressive and depressive problems during adolescence' (Psychopathology) is a project investigating the development of aggressive and depressive symptoms during adolescence. Working within the framework of developmental psychopathology, the objectives are to identify adolescents exhibiting distinct or combined problems of aggression and depression, investigate how risk and protective factors relate to these problems and identify differential outcomes of normal and ill-adjusted development.

To investigate co-occurrence of aggression and depression during adolescence, a longitudinal model is being used for 4 years, grades 7 through 10 consecutively. Data will be analysed with the longitudinal person-oriented methodology known as general growth mixture modelling.

Children were recruited from 17 schools spread over 3 cities in Cyprus, and data collected from 2 356 in the 1st reporting year and 1 348 in the 2nd. Identical questionnaires were administered both years and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences computer program was used for data analysis from each reporting year.

The study gives evidence of the existence of pure depressive and aggressive problems as well as co-occurring problems. Various results suggest that positive relationships with parents and teachers are associated with less aggression and depression. However, positive relationships with peers are positively associated with aggression but not with depression.

Scorings of callous-unemotional traits showed impulsivity and narcissism to be positively associated with aggression; children with low scores here but high impulsivity scores appear more likely to experience depression. Other data analysis suggests that adolescents exhibiting pure aggressive behaviour more often had positive peer relationships, compared to depressed adolescents and those presenting both problems.

Other Psychopathology study results point to impulsivity being a common risk factor for both aggressive and depressive problems, while high self-esteem and supportive social relationships seem to act as protective processes. Adolescents exhibiting high and continuous levels of co-occurring problems reported higher levels of delinquency, substance use and social problems.

The participating middle school students will be followed for two additional time points. The study is expected have significant social impact and provide evidence of how and why aggressive and depressive problems co-occur in children.