A recent study from the University of Gothenburg reveals a growing divide in adolescent mental health, with more teenagers reporting both extremely high and low mental wellbeing. The study, published in Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, examines changes in how young teenagers in Sweden rated their depressive symptoms over the past two decades.
Research Methodology
The researchers compared two groups of adolescents, ages 13–16: one from 2004 and another from 2019–2020. Both groups used the internationally established Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) to assess their depressive symptoms through self-report.
Key Findings
Overall Increase in Depressive Symptoms
The study shows that the proportion of adolescents reporting depressive symptoms has increased from 21% in 2004 to 29% in 2019–2020. While this increase may not seem dramatic, it highlights a concerning trend in the mental health of young people.
More Extremes in Mental Wellbeing
One of the most significant findings is the shift toward extremes in adolescent mental health. A larger proportion of teenagers in 2019–2020 report very high mental wellbeing, with 33% having very low CDI scores, indicating strong mental wellbeing. This compares to just 15% in 2004. On the other end, those struggling with mental health issues report much more severe symptoms compared to their counterparts in 2004.
Increased Self-Loathing Among Adolescents
Teenagers who reported depressive symptoms in 2019–2020 scored significantly higher on self-deprecating and negative thoughts compared to the 2004 cohort. These included statements like “Nothing is fun at all,” “I am bad all the time,” and “I can never be as good as other kids.” The most notable increases were in self-deprecation, which particularly affects young women.
Carl Wikberg, a district nurse and adjunct senior lecturer in community medicine and public health at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, notes, “The fact that some young people report strong self-loathing is concerning and can make us feel despair. However, there is also hope: we are seeing a larger proportion of adolescents at the very lowest end of the scale, meaning their mental wellbeing has improved. So, the trend is not entirely negative.”
Implications for Mental Health and Wellbeing
While the findings highlight growing concerns about the mental health of adolescents, particularly in relation to self-esteem and negative mood, they also offer some hope. The study shows a larger portion of teenagers are now reporting stronger mental wellbeing, which could be a positive development. Public discussions about mental health and increased awareness might be leading to better self-reporting and a more open attitude toward mental health issues.
The study also highlights the critical role that school health services and primary care systems play in identifying at-risk youth. Screening tools like the CDI can help detect adolescents who may need further support and interventions.
Conclusion
This study underscores the increasing polarization in adolescent mental health, with some teenagers reporting much stronger mental wellbeing while others struggle significantly. Researchers are still exploring the causes of these trends, but evolving public discourse and improved mental health awareness are likely contributing factors. The findings emphasize the need for continued attention to adolescent mental health and the importance of accessible support systems to help those in need.
The study involved 617 adolescents from 2019–2020 as part of a larger research project on depression, and the comparison group included 80 adolescents from 2004 who participated in a CDI validation study within a Swedish context.
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