Depression Symptoms Less Likely in Kids with Accurate Self-Perceptions

A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology called "Bias and Accuracy of Children's Perceptions of Peer Acceptance: Prospective Associations with Depressive Symptoms" found that children who were able to more accurately assess what their classmates felt about them were less prone to depression, even if their peers held negative opinions about them. According to the study author, at around the age of 8, children's cognitive abilities develop and they begin to rely on social comparisons to evaluate themselves. If they are not able to make accurate assessments of what their peers think of them, they are more likely to develop depression.

One implication of this study is that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which concentrates on changing negative thought patterns called Cognitive Distortions, could be especially helpful to depressed children.

More About Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

• What Are Cognitive Distortions?
• Strategies to Beat Negative Thoughts

More About Childhood Depression:

• The Myth of a Happy Childhood
• Childhood Depression Signs and Symptoms
• Seeking Help for Childhood Depression
• Easing Your Child's Fear of Seeing a Doctor
• Treatment Options for Depressed Kids