• 120-1 FH - Risk and Protective Factors Predict Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents
  Presented by: Jonathan R. Olson, H. Wallace Goddard
• 120-2 FH - The Effects of Teasing by Family Members on Adolescents' Body Image
  Presented by: Mallary Kay Schaefer, Elizabeth H. Blodgett Salafia
• 120-3 FH - Adolescent Attachment: Exploring Electrical Brain Activity and Family Interaction
  Presented by: Nichole Huff, Ronald Werner-Wilson

Abstracts

Risk and Protective Factors Predict Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents

Presented by: Jonathan R. Olson, H. Wallace Goddard

We examined the degree to which protective factors buffer the effects of family-level risk factors that are known to be related to depressive symptoms among adolescents. We focused on risk and protective factors that are commonly targeted in current prevention programs. Participants were 39,740 adolescents who completed a school-based survey. Results indicated that poor family supervision, family conflict, and family history of problem behaviors were related to increased levels of depressive symptoms. School and community-based protective factors were negatively related to the outcome, but only one (school rewards for prosocial behavior) had a moderating effect on risk.

The Effects of Teasing by Family Members on Adolescents' Body Image

Presented by: Mallary Kay Schaefer, Elizabeth H. Blodgett Salafia

The purpose of this study was to examine the direct relations between teasing by family members and body image among 174 adolescents in middle school. Two components of body image were investigated: body dissatisfaction and drive for muscularity. Additionally, social comparison was examined as a potential mediator of these relations. Results indicated that teasing by mothers and siblings was associated with girls' body dissatisfaction; teasing by mothers, siblings, and fathers was associated with boys' drive for muscularity. Social comparison served as a mediator between mothers' and fathers' teasing and boys' drive for muscularity. Clearly family members affect adolescents' health.

Adolescent Attachment: Exploring Electrical Brain Activity and Family Interaction

Presented by: Nichole Huff, Ronald Werner-Wilson

There is growing consensus that adolescent brain development is influenced by social interactions, especially interactions between adolescents and parents. Our study explores the adolescent-parent relationship, including problem-solving skills and communication patterns while considering physiological and cognitive influences on behavior. Specifically, we are investigating the relationship between attachment, family interactions, and electrical brain activity in mother, father, and adolescent triads. The pilot data includes 10 triads for a total of 30 participants and analyzes self-report questionnaires, along with measures of physiological arousal and electrical brain activity before, during, and after a problem-solving discussion. Discussions are coded for positive patterns of communication.