B4273 - Risk factors for depression in adolescents and young adulthood - 23/02/2023

B number: 
B4273
Principal applicant name: 
Isabel Morales-Muñoz | School of Psychology, University of Birmingham (United Kingdom)
Co-applicants: 
Ms Hajirah Jehan
Title of project: 
Risk factors for depression in adolescents and young adulthood
Proposal summary: 

Depression is the leading cause of disability
worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.
Further, depression is one of the most common mental health problems in young
people, with an estimated prevalence of 5.6%. Most importantly, depression in
young people is frequently an indicator of recurrent or chronic depression which
stretches into adulthood. Thus, to recognise, prevent, and treat depression in
young ages is crucial. However, a number of important issues need further
investigation to aid early intervention in depression in young people. And among
these, it is crucial to identify those risk factors that have greatest impact in the
development of depression in young people, as these are the factors that should be
targeted when designing early intervention in young people. Therefore, the aim of
this study is to identify relevant risk factors for the development of depression in
young people. To do this, we will use secondary data analyses, using the Avon
Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), which comprises around
14,000 individuals recruited at birth. Risk factors to be investigated in this study
include sleep, cognitive function, diet, substance abuse, childhood abuse,
parenting style, academic performance, social relationships, school connectedness,
or self-esteem, among others. Further, we will focus on depression symptoms
occurring at several time points across adolescence (from 13 to 21 years old),
using a validated questionnaire on depression (the Short Mood and Feelings
Questionnaire). Expected statistical analyses to apply include correlations,
regression analyses and path analyses, using SPSS.

Impact of research: 
To identify relevant risk factors for depression in young people.
Date proposal received: 
Tuesday, 21 February, 2023
Date proposal approved: 
Thursday, 23 February, 2023
Keywords: 
Mental health - Psychology, Psychiatry, Cognition