THE EFFECTS OF PEER RIDICULE ON DEPRESSION AND SELF-IMAGE AMONG ADOLESCENT FEMALES WITH TURNER SYNDROME

Purpose: This study attempted to examine the effects of body image, he ight dissatisfaction, and peer ridicule on depression and self-image a mong adolescent females with Turner syndrome. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional survey examined 59 subjects' responses to standardized measures of depression, self-image, body image, height perception, an d teasing. Results: Descriptive statistics found the mean age of subje cts to be 14.8 years (range: 13-19). Approximately 30% reported cardia c defects and 17% indicated kidney anomalies. Only five experienced sp ontaneous menses and 61% indicated they were receiving estrogen replac ement therapy. Linear regression analyses examined the effects of body image, height perceptions, and peer ridicule on depression and self-i mage scores. The first regression analysis found a five-step model to account for 39% of the variance, with peer ridicule of general appeara nce being the most important variable. The second linear regression (R (2) = .3248, P < .0004) also found peer teasing of general appearance to be significantly associated with self-image scores. Discrepancy sco res between ideal versus current body shape or height, as well as teas ing about these issues, appeared to be unrelated to depression and sel f-image among our subjects. Conclusion: These data suggest that peer r idicule is a domain that requires ongoing assessment by health care pr oviders, as it appears to be an important contributor to mental health problems. Social skill interventions that emphasize strategies to man age teasing, assertively respond to negative statements, and teach eff ective coping skills are key variables to minimize the emotional disco mfort these young women may experience.