Depressive symptoms in adolescents: an influence of age, gender, and relationships to personal characteristics and to perception of family environment

Two cohorts of adolescents (12 years old , n=441 and 16 years old, n=325) completed The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) an other instruments regarding family environment, self-esteem, and personality traits. Results revealed that a frequency of depressive symptoms is related to neuroticism but an influence of extraversion is not clear. Moreover, an optimism, self-esteem, and positive relationships to parents are significant predictors for both mentioned age groups