Support and commitment in the best friend relationship in early adolescence as protective factors of depressive symptoms in late adolescence

Abstract

Introduction The objective of this study was to examine whether best friend support and friend commitment in early adolescence are effective predictors of depressive symptoms over time, alluding to explore if these features are worth consideration for future depression prevention measures. It was expected that both friendship features are protective factors. Additionally, moderation effects of sex and the level of friend depression were expected. Method The study sample, originating from the RADAR-project, consisted of N = 365 target adolescents with their same-sex best friend involved. Of the sample, 58.4% were male, aged Mage = 14.0 on T1, with T2 being four years later. Data was collected from self-report measures on support, commitment and depressive symptoms and analysed using a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results Depression levels remained quite stable over time. Support and commitment were both not significant predictors and not moderated by sex. Sex itself was a significant predictor, and so was friend depression. Friend depression moderated the effect of support. Conclusion Best friend support and commitment in early adolescence do not seem to be protective factors for the development of depressive symptoms in late adolescence, for both male and female adolescents. Female sex and high friend depression are risk factors. Future research regarding the effects of friend depression is recommended.