We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms in school-aged Singaporean children.
- Authors
Magiati, Iliana; Ponniah, Kathryn; Ooi, Yoon Phaik; Chan, Yiong Huak; Fung, Daniel; Woo, Bernardine
- Abstract
Introduction Few studies have examined anxiety and depression experiences of primary (middle) school-aged children from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and most have relied on parents or others as informants. The present study aimed to investigate self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms in Singaporean primary school-aged children. Age, gender, and ethnic differences and interactions were explored as well as similarities and differences between Singaporean children and US norms. Methods A large representative community sample of 1655 8- to 12-year-old Singaporean children ( Chinese, Malay, and Indian) completed the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children ( MASC) and the Children's Depression Inventory ( CDI) as part of a larger epidemiological study of mental health in Singaporean children. Results Rates of clinically elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression were 9.3% and 16.9% on the MASC and the CDI, respectively. Separation and social anxieties were most common. Evidence of a gender difference in levels of emotional symptoms was most evident in Indian children, with girls reporting more symptoms than boys. The relationship between age and internalizing problems was weak. Discussion A substantial minority of primary school-aged Singaporean children reported elevated anxious and depressive symptoms. Better understanding of the factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of these problems can help the development of culture-specific interventions and facilitate the planning of community-tailored services and initiatives.
- Subjects
SOCIAL anxiety; ANXIETY in children; DEPRESSION in children; MENTAL health; CHILD psychology; GENDER differences (Psychology) in children
- Publication
Asia-Pacific Psychiatry, 2015, Vol 7, Issue 1, p91
- ISSN
1758-5864
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/appy.12099