Childhood Depression Linked to Academic Success
What Happens in Grade One May Predict Depression in Middle School
Jan 14, 2009
It would be of tremendous benefit to decrease depression in the teen years. Researchers have revealed the capability to do this. Childhood suicides are increasing. More parents are opting not to put teenagers on depression medications because of the "black box" warnings. Could schools and parents have done something in elementary grades to decrease the chances of needing medication for depression in teenagers?
Depression Linked to Elementary Struggles
How students performs in two key areas, reading and math, may affect how they see the world and their power to make decisions in that world in middle school.
Keith Herman, associate professor of education, school and counseling psychology in the MU College of Education says, "We found that students in the first grade who struggled academically with core subjects, including reading and math, later displayed negative self-perceptions and symptoms of depression in sixth and seventh grade, respectively. Often, children with poor academic skills believe they have less influence on important outcomes in their life." [ScienceDaily.com, January 11, 2009]
Middle School Depression Study
MU researchers examined the behaviors of 474 boys and girls in first grade. Five years later they did the same when these students were in sixth grade. The students showed significant risk factors:
- Negative self-beliefs
- Depressive symptoms
Children want to be liked, of course. Having the teacher and peers smile at success in the classroom is important. Bringing great papers home to parents is also a source of smiles and congratulations. If a child does not succeed in school, the smiles are slim and this affects the child’s view of self and their view of how they fit into the world.
How to Decrease Chances for Depression in Middle School
There is no magic wand to decrease academic struggles. Small reading and math groups are a start as is differentiated learning, but for most students in traditional classrooms where they are placed with other students the same age, what can be done?
Herman has a suggestion. Teachers and parents should honor skills in other areas, such as
- Interpersonal skills
- Non-core academic areas
- Athletics
- Music
[ScienceDaily.com, January 11, 2009]
Gender Vulnerability for Teenage Depression
Who is more vulnerable to depression because of poor academic success? Female students that struggled in first grade felt that they had significantly less control of important outcomes in their lives in sixth and seventh grades. This is a risk factor for depression.
First grade teachers (and elementary teachers) and parents of first grade students can decrease chances for depression by keeping a watchful eye on student perceptions in elementary school and by focusing on positive traits. Dropping art, music and sports to focus on academics may not be very helpful in how a student sees the world and their power in it.
Source: ScienceDaily.com, "Recognizing Children’s Successes In All Areas May Prevent Teenage Depression, January 11, 2009.
Journal reference: Herman et al. Low academic competence in first grade as a risk factor for depressive cognitions and symptoms in middle school. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 2008; 55 (3): 400 DOI.
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