This study examines the discrepancy between self-reports and parent-reports on adolescent depression severity and the relation and severity between this discrepancy and the child characteristics ...Show moreThis study examines the discrepancy between self-reports and parent-reports on adolescent depression severity and the relation and severity between this discrepancy and the child characteristics (externalizing behaviour and drug abuse) and the parent characteristics (depression of the parent and parental bonding). Depressed adolescents (N = 35, mean age= 15.60, 80% female) scored a mean of 19.97 on the patient health questionnaire (PHQ). Parents scored significantly lower with a mean of 12.09 by mothers (N=34) and 11.59 by fathers (N=27) on the PHQ filled in about their child. Of the parents 87% underestimated the depression severity of their child. Based on the distribution of the difference in scores of parents and adolescent, the sample was divided into two groups, a group with discrepancy of ten or lower (N=36) and a group with discrepancy of higher than ten (N=26). Adolescents from the high discrepancy group reported significantly more other drug use (p = .044) and lower parental care on the parental bonding instrument (PBI) (p = .029) compared to the small-moderate discrepancy group. For the remaining variables (externalizing behaviour, marihuana use, parental depression, parental autonomy and parental overprotection) no significant differences were found. The results clearly show underreporting scores of parents on adolescent depression severity and a possible link with drug use and parental care. Possibly, depressed adolescents do not feel understood by their parents and do not get the help they need. More research is needed to further discover potential influences on this discrepancy.Show less
