Depression in early adolescence: Relation to externalising and internalising behaviour

The relationship between depression, on the one hand, and externalising and internalising behaviour, on the other, in 151 adolescents (79 boys and 72 girls) was examined with respect to the possible moderating role of sex-rol e stereotyping. The Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scare, the Achenbach Tea cher Report Form, and the Australian Sex-Role Scale were used to assess the hypothesis that adolescents adapt to the experience of depression in gende r-appropriate ways. A regression analysis indicated that the pattern of rel ationships was different for boys and girls. The hypothesis was supported f or boys and externalising behaviour but not for girls and internalising beh aviour.