PREDICTORS OF PREADOLESCENT DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL IDEATION

Harter and her associates have developed a model that examines perceiv ed competence and social support as predictors of depression and suici dal ideation in adolescents (Harter, Marold, & Whitesell, 1992). This study applies a subset of concepts from Harter's model to a group of 9 to 12 year old boys and girls and their parents. Using separate stand ard multiple regression analyses for child, mother, and father informa nts, support was found for perceived competence and social support as predictors of depression and suicidal ideation during pre-adolescence. Discussion focuses on how depression is manifest at different develop mental levels. Further research using school-based assessment and inte rvention is needed to address those aspects of depression that are con tinuous and those that are discontinuous over time.