Negative affectivity in preadolescents and adolescents and its contextual predictors

Abstract

This survey investigated the life issues of a sample of preadolescents and adolescents from small urban and rural areas (N = 407); 238 preadolescents and 169 adolescents, as well as their depressive symptoms. Data were collected on dimensions of negative affectivity and its possible contextual predictors, age, gender, negative life experiences (e.g. violence, family and extended family conflict), and socio-family status (parental divorce, material deprivation). In the context of the rising prevalence of depressive symptoms among young people (WHO, 2021), a deep understanding of the structure of these symptoms and the context in which they manifest is needed in order to guide the development of valid psychometric tools and to carry out effective interventions.