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Family Factors as Predictors of Depression Among Runaway Youth: Do Males and Females Differ?

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Abstract

This study investigates family environments associated with depressive symptoms among male and female runaway adolescents. Data were collected on 197 participants recruited from a runaway youth shelter in the southwest. Regression analyses showed that females’ depressive symptoms were predominately related to interpersonal relationships, such as family communication, conflict, and worry about these relationships. Male participants were particularly sensitive to father’s alcohol abuse and worry about family relationships. Identifying family factors associated with depressive symptoms among male and female runaway youth has implications for treatment and reunification of adolescents with their families.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, One University Station, Campus Box 3500, Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    Sanna J. Thompson

  2. School of Social Work, University of Denver, 2148 South High Street, Denver, CO, 80208, USA

    Kimberly Bender

  3. Department of Social Welfare, Daejin University, San 11-1 Sundan-dong, Pocheon, Kyonggi, South Korea

    Jihye Kim

Authors
  1. Sanna J. Thompson
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  2. Kimberly Bender
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  3. Jihye Kim
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Correspondence to Sanna J. Thompson.

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Thompson, S.J., Bender, K. & Kim, J. Family Factors as Predictors of Depression Among Runaway Youth: Do Males and Females Differ?. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 28, 35–48 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-010-0218-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-010-0218-5

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