Abstract
This paper presents data suggesting that insights regarding adolescent depressive phenomena in humans can be provided through systematic studies of nonhuman primates such as rhesus monkeys. First, species-normative patterns of social changes that emerge as rhesus monkeys pass through puberty are described. Next, developmental changes in depressive-like behavioral and physiological response to separation shown by monkeys as they become adolescents are outlined. Issues of developmental continuity and risk factors for depressive symptomology are then discussed. Finally, the issue of sex differences that emerge in adolescence will be considered.
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The author is Chief of the Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH). He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology (Animal Behavior) from the University of Wisconsin (Madison), and his major interest is in comparative study of biobehavioral development in nonhuman and human primates.
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Suomi, S.J. Adolescent depression and depressive symptoms: Insights from longitudinal studies with rhesus monkeys. J Youth Adolescence 20, 273–287 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537612
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537612