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A Longitudinal Study of Self-Awareness and Depressed Mood in Adolescence

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Abstract

The relationship between longitudinal variations of self-awareness and depressed mood in 479 adolescents was examined across four waves of data collection over a seven-year period. Self-awareness was significantly associated with depressed mood, and this association was strongest during midadoles-cence. Regression analyses of changes of depressed mood over time suggest mutual influence between self-awareness and depressed mood. Stressful life events, such as pubescent changes and the relationship with significant others, explained variations in self-awareness. Different influences of these life events were important at varying stages of adolescence.

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Chen, H., Mechanic, D. & Hansell, S. A Longitudinal Study of Self-Awareness and Depressed Mood in Adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence 27, 719–734 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022809815567

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