Child-reported depression and anxiety in preadolescence: I. Associations with parent- and teacher-reported problems

Abstract

Objective: To examine a wide range of parent- and teacher-reported behaviors in relation to child-reported depression and anxiety in preadolescence.

Method: Subjects were participants in a longitudinal study of 420 preschool children from the general population that started in 1989. At second follow-up 8 years later (ages 10-11 years), usable parent information was obtained for 358 children. For this study, 274 children for whom complete child, parent, and teacher reports were obtained at age 10 to 11 years were included. Measures included the Dimensions of Depression Profile for Children, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, the Child Behavior Checklist/4-18, and the Teacher's Report Form.

Results: Of 120 parent-reported problem items, only 11 and 9 were associated with child-reported depression and anxiety, respectively. For teachers, 33 and 20 items (of 120) were significantly associated with child-reported depression and anxiety, respectively, including items referring to withdrawal, anxiety, depression, social problems, and academic problems.

Conclusions: Teachers are more likely than parents to notice internalizing problems and related problems such as social and academic problems in children reporting depression or anxiety.