Family functioning mediates the relationship between socioeconomic status and adolescent depression.

Abstract

While socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with adolescent depressive symptoms, the mechanisms that explain this relationship are largely unknown. In this study, we used the McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD) to analyze the mediating effect of family functioning on the impact of SES on depressive symptoms. Regression-based conditional process analysis was used with a sample of 636 adolescents aged 12–17 years. First, each FAD dimension —Problem Solving, Communication, Roles, Affective Responsiveness, Affective Involvement, and Behavioral Control— were regressed on the SES scores and results showed that Problem Solving, Communication, Roles and Behavioral Control were significantly predicted by SES. Using the Process macro, these family dimensions were tested as potential parallel mediators of the relationship between SES and BDI scores, revealing that the impact of SES on depressive symptoms was mediated by the existence of clear expectations about standards of behavior and behavioral patterns for handling family tasks—Behavioral Control and Roles—. This finding supports the Family Stress Model's assumption that SES affects depressive symptoms through family functioning and specifically suggests that establishing and adhering to family rules and roles buffer the impact of low SES on adolescent well-being.