Multi-Systemic Risk Factors Predicting Depression, Self-Esteem, and Stress in Low SES and Culturally Diverse Adolescents

Abstract

Using Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems model, this exploratory study examined the factors from the broader environment (socioeconomic status and race), the immediate social environment (family structure), and the individual system (pregnancy status) to determine levels of depression, self-esteem, and stress for adolescents attending pregnancy prevention programs. Overall, high depression levels were found for this sample with White Non-Hispanic teens displaying the highest rates of de pression. In addition, it was found that when teens grew up with people other than their parents, they were at higher risk for low self-esteem and high stress. While early childbearing was a predictor of stress, for the lowest income levels, it was also associated with high self-esteem. Implications of findings for service delivery are discussed.

Key Words:

• Depression
• self-esteem
• stress
• low SES
• cultural diversity
• adolescents