Pubertal transition, stressful life events, and the emergence of gender differences in adolescent depressive symptoms

This study examined the role of both pubertal and social transitions in the emergence of gender differences in depressive symptoms during adolescence. This study generated the following findings: (a) Gender differences in dep ressive symptoms emerged during 8th grade and remained significant through 12th grade. (b) Pubertal status in 7th grade was related to adolescent depr essive symptoms over time. (c) Early-maturing girls represented the group w ith the highest rate of depressive symptoms. (d) Depressive symptoms measur ed in 7th grade predicted subsequent symptom levels throughout the secondar y school years. (e) Recent stressful life events were associated with incre ased depressive symptoms. (f) Early-maturing girls with higher levels of in itial symptoms and more recent stressful life events were most likely to be depressed subsequently. The findings demonstrate the importance of the int eraction between the pubertal transition and psychosocial factors in increa sing adolescent vulnerability to depressive experiences.