Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Amanda Rose

Abstract

Stress, depression, and co-rumination have been a focus of scholars in recent years. Although studies have considered the relationship among stressors, depression, and co-rumination, little is known about the moderating effects of co-rumination. This study aimed to address the gap in the literature by examining moderating effects of co-rumination on relations between stressors and depression, along with further moderating effects of sex, race, and grade. The current study examined mean-level race, sex, and grade differences in the relation among stressors (total, family, peer, physical appearance, sport/physical activity, school) and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between the specified stressors and depressive symptoms, and moderating effects of co-rumination, race, sex, and grade. Results found that each stressor was significantly and positively associated with depression. Black adolescents scored higher than White adolescents for all the stress domains except physical appearance and commonly scored higher than White adolescents in both grades, though that effect was stronger for seventh grade students than 10th. White adolescents co-ruminated more than Black adolescents, and the effect was more pronounced in 10th grade than in seventh grade. Black adolescents reported greater depressive symptoms than White adolescents. Females reported greater depressive symptoms than males. Tailored intervention efforts that ensure cultural competence for non-White adolescents, targeted gender, and age-specific programming could support adolescent mental health and impact positive social change for future generations.

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