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The Transition to Adulthood in Children of Depressed Parents: Long-Term Follow-Up Data from the Family Talk Preventive Intervention Project

Author

Listed:
  • Taylor L. Myers

    (Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02481, USA)

  • Tracy R. G. Gladstone

    (Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, 121 South Main St., Providence, RI 02903, USA)

  • William R. Beardslee

    (Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA)

Abstract

Little is known about the effects of parental depression on offspring as they transition to adulthood—a challenging time developmentally, when late adolescents must separate from home, achieve intimate relationships, and develop a sense of identity. We present long-term quantitative and qualitative data from early adolescents with a depressed parent who were randomized to one of two family-based preventive interventions and followed over time, across the transition to young adulthood. Specifically, we present clinical measures of psychopathology and Likert-scale questionnaire data from young adults and their parents regarding the transition to adulthood and perceptions of the interventions. We also report in-depth qualitative interview data from young adults about the effects of parental depression on their transition to adulthood. Findings suggest that leaving home, establishing relationships, and coping with stressors may be challenging for emerging adults. Furthermore, the interviews highlight the importance of siblings, the burden of parental depression, and the development of self-understanding and empathy in young adults who grew up with a depressed parent. Data suggest that clinicians, policy makers, educators, and employers must address the preventive and clinical needs of young people and their families as they transition to young adulthood after growing up with depressed parents.

Suggested Citation

  • Taylor L. Myers & Tracy R. G. Gladstone & William R. Beardslee, 2023. "The Transition to Adulthood in Children of Depressed Parents: Long-Term Follow-Up Data from the Family Talk Preventive Intervention Project," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:3313-:d:1067628
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Letizia Mencarini & Elena Meroni & Chiara Pronzato, 2012. "Leaving Mum Alone? The Effect of Parental Separation on Children’s Decisions to Leave Home," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 28(3), pages 337-357, August.
    2. Andrzej Śliwerski & Karolina Kossakowska & Karolina Jarecka & Julita Świtalska & Eleonora Bielawska-Batorowicz, 2020. "The Effect of Maternal Depression on Infant Attachment: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-42, April.
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