Youth Depressive Symptoms and Changes in Relationships with Parents and Peers

Tracey Bushnik, Statistics Canada

Research has shown that family, particularly parents, and peers can influence adolescent well-being. The National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) is a survey designed to monitor the development and well-being of a representative sample of Canadian children. This report will use data from the NLSCY to analyze the link between adolescent depressive symptoms and changes in relationships with parents and peers. Specifically, this study will examine the relationships between youth and their mothers, fathers and friends, and how these relationships changed from when the adolescent was 14 to 15 years old (Time 1) to when the adolescent was 16 to 17 years old (Time 2). Sex differences will also be examined. Linear regression procedures will be used to assess how changes in these relationships over the two-year period were linked with depressive symptoms at Time 2.