The Influence of Peer Relationships on Latina Adolescents’ Experiences with Depressive Symptoms

Date
2020
Language
American English
Embargo Lift Date
Committee Members
Degree
Degree Year
Department
Grantor
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Found At
Elsevier
Abstract

Purpose: Previous research has demonstrated that peers may play an integral role in the development of depressive symptoms among Latina adolescents; however, little is known about the function of peers in the ongoing management of depressive symptoms for Latina adolescents. The purpose of this study was to describe how peers influence Latina adolescents' experiences with the onset and ongoing management of depressive symptoms.

Design and methods: Qualitative descriptive methods were used in conducting semi-structured interviews with twenty-five young Latinas (ages 13-20) who had a history of depressive symptoms during adolescence. Participants were asked to describe their experiences with depressive symptoms and how they interacted with others in relation to their depressive symptoms. Thematic analysis methods were used to identify common themes in how peers influenced Latina adolescents' experiences with depressive symptoms.

Results: Latina adolescents experienced tensions with peers in the development, disclosure, and self-management of depressive symptoms. Peers were: 1) allies and bullies; 2) confidants and betrayers; and 3) up-lifters and downers.

Conclusions: Peer relationships can be a source of risk and resiliency for Latina adolescents throughout the process of experiencing depressive symptoms.

Practice implications: Interventions preventing or treating depression among Latina adolescents should capitalize on the strengths of peer relationships, while recognizing that peers may also contribute to risk.

Description
item.page.description.tableofcontents
item.page.relation.haspart
Cite As
Stafford AM, Nagy G, Gonzalez-Guarda R, Draucker CB. The Influence of Peer Relationships on Latina Adolescents' Experiences with Depressive Symptoms. J Pediatr Nurs. 2020;55:250-257. doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2020.07.004
ISSN
Publisher
Series/Report
Sponsorship
Major
Extent
Identifier
Relation
Journal
Journal of Pediatric Nursing
Rights
Publisher Policy
Source
PMC
Alternative Title
Type
Article
Number
Volume
Conference Dates
Conference Host
Conference Location
Conference Name
Conference Panel
Conference Secretariat Location
Version
Author's manuscript
Full Text Available at
This item is under embargo {{howLong}}