A recent study from the University of Gothenburg reveals contrasting trends in the mental well-being of Swedish teenagers. While more adolescents report feeling mentally well than in previous years, those struggling with depressive symptoms report significantly higher levels of distress compared to earlier cohorts.
The study, published in Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, assessed changes in depressive symptoms among 13- to 16-year-olds over two decades. By comparing data from two groups—one from 2004 and another from 2019–2020—the research examined how teens rated their mental health using the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), an internationally recognized self-report tool for assessing depressive symptoms.
Increased Extremes in Mental Health Reports
The findings show a modest increase in the number of adolescents reporting depressive symptoms, rising from 21% in 2004 to 29% in 2019–2020. While this increase is not considered dramatic, more notable is the rise in teens reporting very high levels of mental well-being. In 2019–2020, 33% of teens scored very low on the CDI, indicating strong mental health, compared to just 15% in 2004.
However, the study also highlights a concerning trend: those struggling with mental health issues are reporting significantly worse symptoms. Adolescents with depressive symptoms in 2019–2020 rated themselves higher on scales measuring self-deprecation and negative thoughts compared to those from 2004.
“Adolescents who report high levels of depressive symptoms today rate themselves much higher on negative self-assessments than those in previous cohorts,” said Carl Wikberg, a district nurse and adjunct senior lecturer at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. “Self-deprecation, in particular, is affecting a growing number of young women.”
Insights into Teenagers’ Struggles and Resilience
The CDI assessment evaluates multiple facets of mental health, including negative mood, self-esteem, perceived ineffectiveness, and interpersonal problems. Among those in the 2019–2020 group who reported depressive symptoms, three statements stood out:
- “Nothing is fun at all.”
- “I am bad all the time.”
- “I can never be as good as other kids.”
While these statements reflect significant feelings of self-loathing, Wikberg sees a glimmer of hope in the data. Despite the rising number of adolescents experiencing depressive symptoms, the increased proportion of teens with very low CDI scores suggests that mental well-being has improved for some. “The trend is not entirely negative,” Wikberg emphasized, pointing to the positive shift among teens at the lower end of the scale.
The Role of Public Discourse and Early Intervention
While the study does not offer definitive explanations for the changes, researchers suggest that a shift in public attitudes toward mental health could influence how adolescents report their well-being. Increased openness about mental health issues and the availability of treatment may be affecting the way teens express their struggles in self-report assessments.
Moreover, the study underscores the vital role of school health services and primary care in identifying adolescents with high levels of depressive symptoms. Tools like the CDI offer crucial opportunities for early detection and intervention, allowing for targeted support to those in need.
The research, which included 617 adolescents from 2019–2020, forms part of a larger investigation into adolescent depression. The 2004 comparison group included 80 teens who participated in a CDI validation study in Sweden.
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