Sintomatología Depresiva, Ideación suicida y Auto-concepto en una muestra de infantes mexicanos

Abstract

Previous studies have shown the prevalence of depression in children, and have suggested that self-concept as the key variable to predict depressive symptoms,suicide risk and other risk behaviors, that may emerge during childhood or later in life. In Mexico, there are few reported studies about depression or suicidal ideation in children, despite the increasing suicide rate in this age group. This study was aimed to describe the relationship among depression and self-concept in a sample of children enrolled in primary schools of Guanajuato State, Mexico. This was a descriptive, transversal and ex post facto study with a non-probabilistic sample of 217 children of both sexes and 9-13 years old. The instruments used were: Child Depression Inventory and the Questionnaire of General Self Concept. The results of this research showed higher levels of mild/ moderate and severe Depression, Suicidal ideation, and low Self-concept. A significant correlation was found between Self-concept factors and Depressive Symptoms, and with sex. Psycho-educative strategies are suggested to appropriately detect and adequately address signs of depression, emotional suffering and risk behaviors in children.