Family functioning moderates the impact of depression treatment on adolescents’ suicidal ideations

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore whether adolescent‐perceived family functioning moderates the depression treatment effects on suicidal ideations. Methods This is a nonpreregistered exploratory secondary analysis of the TADS RCT, which included four treatment groups: fluoxetine, CBT, their combination, and placebo. A random coefficients regression model with posteriori CONTRAST statements was conducted to examine the effects of depression treatment on adolescents’ suicidal ideations over time (N = 439). Baron and Kenny's (1986) and Kraemer et al.'s (2002) approach was followed to explore family functioning as a potential moderator of the treatment effects on suicidal ideations over time. Results Adolescents in the four treatment groups did not differ significantly in their suicidal ideations at initial status; however, those in the combination group had faster reduction in suicidality. Family functioning moderated the relationship between depression treatment and adolescents’ suicidal ideations. In particular, the results revealed that for adolescents who reported positive family functioning (n = 249), treatment had a significant impact on their suicidal ideations over time. However, for adolescents who reported negative family functioning (n = 190), type of treatment did not have a differential effect on improvement in severity of suicidal ideation over time. Conclusion Findings provided evidence that the process by which depression treatment impacts adolescents’ suicidality is contingent upon their family environment. Family‐centered approaches to adolescent depression treatment are recommended.

Experiences of adolescents and parents on the mental health management of depression in adolescents, North West province, South Africa

“…Families can establish appropriate communication with their children regarding mental health conditions and help them in building their individual resilience and proper coping skills (Beardslee, Chien & Bell 2011 :248). In addition, supportive environments constitute a reliable support system for mitigating depressive symptoms amongst adolescents (Dardas 2019 :251). Roohafza et al ( 2014 :947) posited that perceived support systems, especially positive re-interpretation, are crucial in recovery of adolescents from depression.…”

Age Difference in Relationships between Depression and Sleep among Young Adult Men

“…The moderation model suggested by Baron and Kenny and Kraemer and colleagues was utilized for analyses [13,14]. In these models, a moderator is an independent variable that impacts the strength or direction of associations between an independent variable and the dependent variable [15]. Thus, we analyzed three associations to test the moderating effect of age on the relationship between depression and sleep.…”

The Role of Mindfulness in Mitigating the Detrimental Effects of Harsh Parenting among Chinese Adolescents: Testing a Moderated Mediation Model in a Three-Wave Study

“…Therefore, society must pay more attention to the Chinese adolescent suicidal ideation problem [ 8 , 13 ]. Existing studies have revealed that risk factors such as an unsupportive family environment [ 2 ], drug abuse [ 14 ], and bullying may affect the suicidal ideation of adolescents, of which an unsupportive family environment plays a crucial role in its formation [ 15 , 16 ]. Low [ 17 ] revealed that a negative parenting style often leads to a higher risk of suicide in adolescents.…”