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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

Published in:

01-02-2017 | Original Paper

Teachers’ support and depression among Japanese adolescents: a multilevel analysis

Authors: Akiko Mizuta, Kohta Suzuki, Zentaro Yamagata, Toshiyuki Ojima

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 2/2017

Abstract

Purpose

Depression is a major cause of suicide among adolescents. Therefore, childhood and adolescent depression is an important public health concern. This study explored factors as class and individual levels that may influence depression among adolescents in Japan.

Methods

A questionnaire survey among junior high school students (N = 2968) from two cities in Japan was conducted. Depression was assessed using the Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children; teachers’ support was assessed using the Scale of Expectancy for Social Support. The class average score of teachers’ support was calculated to indicate what we termed the “homeroom teachers' support.” Multilevel analysis was applied to clarify the relation between homeroom teachers' support and depression.

Results

Finally, 2466 students completed the questionnaire without missing variables (valid response rate, 83.1%). There was no random effect of the teachers' support at the class level on depression, although there was a significant association between teachers' support and depression for 9th graders (β = −0.12, p = 0.009). Moreover, there were significant associations between economic status, having a best friend, and experiencing unforgettable stress at the individual level and depression in all grades.

Conclusions

There was no significant random effect of homeroom teachers' support in class level although there might be marginal negative association between teacher's support and depression. It is suggested that homeroom teachers need to promote population approaches to mental health.

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Title: Teachers’ support and depression among Japanese adolescents: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Akiko Mizuta
Kohta Suzuki
Zentaro Yamagata
Toshiyuki Ojima
Publication date: 01-02-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1320-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Teachers’ support and depression among Japanese adolescents: a multilevel analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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