Depression: Latinx Adolescent Girls’ Perceived Triggers

Abstract

Research on depression among Latinx populations is increasing; however, a focus on what triggers depression among this community is lacking. This study aims to identify perceived triggers for depression through a secondary analysis of 28 adolescent girls who self-identified as Latinx (mean age = 17.07 years, SD = 0.77). Sixty-one percent of the girls reported being first generation (born in Mexico), having lived in Mexico an average of 8.95 years and the primary language at home being Spanish (63%). Of these, the associated triggers of 20 major depression episodes (MDE) and eight minor depressive episodes (i.e., two to four MDE criteria endorsed) were examined. Seventy-five triggers were identified with a majority reflecting family/parent relationships, romance/friendship issues, and self and others’ expectations/pressures. These findings suggest that certain life events and stressors precede depressive symptoms among Latinx adolescent girls.