Cognitive factors in adolescents with depressive disorders: Results of theBremer Jugendstudie

This report presents findings on the association between depressive disorde rs and perceived control and competence among 1035 adolescents, aged 12-17 years. Adolescents in the depressed only group had significantly lower perc eived control in behavioral domain when compared to adolescents in the othe r groups, whereas adolescents with depression and other disorders, as compa red to adolescents in the other groups had significantly lower score on the social domain. On the Self-perception Profile for Adolescents, adolescents in the group "depressed and other disorders" had the lowest scores in glob al self-worth and in behavioral conduct, physical appearance, and athletic competence domains. Depressed girls with comorbid disorders were the least satisfied with their competence in the areas of athletic, behavioral conduc t, and that they have the lowest self-worth compared to girls in the other groups. None of these results could be replicated among boys. When analysin g adolescents who were currently depressed compared to those who have been previously currently compared to previously depressed adolescents appraised themselves to be significantly less worthy and were significantly less sat isfied with their scholastic competence. The implications of the present fi ndings for prevention and intervention strategies were discussed.