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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 9/2006

01-09-2006 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Social support, ethnicity and mental health in adolescents

Authors: Emily Klineberg, Charlotte Clark, Kamaldeep S. Bhui, Mary M. Haines, Russell M. Viner, Jenny Head, Davina Woodley-Jones, Stephen A. Stansfeld

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 9/2006

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Abstract

Objective

In this study, we explored whether social support varied with ethnic group in young people, and if it explained ethnic differences in prevalence of psychological distress.

Methods

A representative sample of 2790 East London adolescents (11–14 years) completed a classroom-based self-report questionnaire for this cross sectional survey. Social support was assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Mental health was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Short Moods and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ).

Results

High levels of social support were reported by most participants, with some variation by ethnic group and gender. Participants reporting low family and overall social support had an increased likelihood of psychological distress compared with those who reported high support. Low support from friends, family and overall was also associated with depressive symptoms. These relationships did not alter with adjustment for ethnic group.

Conclusions

This study identified an independent association between different sources of social support and mental health in a young, ethnically diverse sample. Differences in social support did not explain ethnic differences in psychological distress.
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Metadata
Title
Social support, ethnicity and mental health in adolescents
Authors
Emily Klineberg
Charlotte Clark
Kamaldeep S. Bhui
Mary M. Haines
Russell M. Viner
Jenny Head
Davina Woodley-Jones
Stephen A. Stansfeld
Publication date
01-09-2006
Publisher
Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 9/2006
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-006-0093-8

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