Relationship Between Family and Friend Support and Psychological Distress in Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the associations between family and friend support and depressive and anxiety symptoms among adolescents, considering potential sex differences.

METHODS

Secondary data from a longitudinal cohort study of 1,348 adolescents ages 11-17 were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression, controlling for relevant factors. Interaction terms between sex and support were created to examine moderation by sex.

RESULTS

Youth who reported higher family support reported lower depressive symptoms (b = -0.53, p < .001) and lower anxiety symptoms (b = -0.39, p < .001). Similarly, youth's higher reported friend support was associated with lower depressive symptoms (b = -0.52, p < .001) and lower anxiety symptoms (b = -0.44, p < .001). Effects were not modified by sex.

CONCLUSION

Understanding modifiable factors such as supportive systems is important to mitigate mental health disorders. Further investigation of protective factors for promoting adolescent mental health is needed.