Social isolation as a core feature of adolescent depression: a qualitative study in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to explore the perspectives of different stakeholders regarding the experiences of adolescent depression in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: We conducted 54 key-informant interviews with adolescents, parents, social workers, health workers, educators, and policy makers and two focus group discussions with 5 adolescents and 6 parents. Data were analysed using a framework approach and guided by the adolescents' personal narratives, with adult stakeholders' views supplementing these perspectives. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged, creating a relational model of adolescent depression that highlights isolation as a central component of the experience. In relation to the self, the experience of depression led to a feeling of detachment from others resulting from the sensation that usual interactions did not have the same meaning as before. This disruption of interactions is perceived as self-isolation and is described in relation to coping mechanisms. CONCLUSION: These findings shed light on important aspects of the identification and management of adolescent depression in Brazil. Since social interaction was a core component of the descriptions and experiences of depression, we speculate that promising interventions are those that could enhance the promotion of a supportive environment and interpersonal relationships.
Duke Scholars
Altmetric Attention Stats
Dimensions Citation Stats
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Social Isolation
- Qualitative Research
- Humans
- Focus Groups
- Depression
- Brazil
- Adult
- Adolescent
- 42 Health sciences
- 1701 Psychology
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Social Isolation
- Qualitative Research
- Humans
- Focus Groups
- Depression
- Brazil
- Adult
- Adolescent
- 42 Health sciences
- 1701 Psychology