Social inequality in adolescence and its significance for differences in mental health in adulthood

Adolescence is a transitional period where significant changes occur in one's life. The brain develops, puberty sets in, and a wide range of social roles are tested for the first time. Historically, psychology has been very focused on the significance of childhood for mental health in adulthood. However, studies have shown that more than half of all mental disorders occur during adolescence, a result that has renewed interest in this critical phase of life. Depression and depressive symptoms have attracted researchers' attention, as depression is among the leading burdens of disease in the Western world. 

Research suggests that adolescence is a life stage with significant average fluctuations in depressive symptoms. Furthermore, it appears that teenagers follow different patterns in the development of depressive symptoms over time. Some experience an increase into adulthood, while others experience a decrease, and a large proportion experience a low, stable level over time. Since depression is often diagnosed following a period of subclinical depressive symptoms/mood, researchers are interested in understanding how this development changes over time. We know that socioeconomic status can be significant. Growing up in more challenging social conditions increases the risk of developing depression and other mental disorders. However, there are many other factors that may come into play that we know much less about. 

As part of Work Package 1 in the Longtrends project (external link), we will therefore examine the effects of life transitions, life events, and health behaviors on depressive mood over time and whether the effect differs in higher and lower social classes. Additionally, we will investigate whether social support has a mediating effect on depressive mood, as several previous studies have shown that social support can indeed function as a protective factor against the development/exacerbation of mental difficulties. The project is based on data from the "Voksen i år 2000" (VITT (external link)) study.