This article reviews the description and possible explanations for the deve
lopment of gender differences in depression in children and adolescents. Th
e emerging gender difference (more girls depressed than boys) in depressed
mood and depressive disorders appears after the age of 13 years or midpuber
ty. Currently, little evidence supports that biological factors are an expl
anation. Genetic factors are associated more strongly with depression among
pubertal girls than bays. Regarding cognitive factors, ruminative response
style, but not dysfunctional attitudes or attributional style, has been su
pported to be a possible explanation. Studies on childhood adversities and
gender role have provided evidence explaining why more girls are depressed
than boys. Girls are more likely to experience negative events in the famil
y than boys, and these adversities are in turn associated with elevated dep
ression. Girls identify more strongly with a feminine stereotype of needing
to appear thin and consequently become more dissatisfied with their body s
hape and physical appearance, which in turn is associated with increased de
pression.