earticle

영어

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify and compare the factors influencing depression in early adolescence, focusing on 4th-grade elementary and 1st-grade middle school students. Methods: The research is based on the data from the first 2018 Korean Children and Youth Panel Study conducted by the Korea Institute for Policy Research, targeting a total of 5,165 participants, including 2,587 4th-grade elementary and 2,578 1st-grade middle school students. The data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 25.0 program, applying descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Results: Common factors influencing depression in both elementary and middle school students were self-esteem, aggression, gender, peer relationships, satisfaction with school life, and inconsistency in parental attitudes. Notably, self-esteem and aggression had the greatest impact on depression in both groups. Factors that significantly influenced elementary school students were relationships with teachers and rejection from parental attitudes, while the factor unique to middle school students was academic achievement. Conclusion: To prevent depression in 4th-grade elementary and 1st-grade middle school students, it is essential to develop and implement programs that enhance self-esteem and reduce aggression. Measures to improve peer relationships and satisfaction with school life, along with consistent parenting practices, are also necessary. In particular, nurturing and affectionate parenting is important for elementary schoolers, while middle school students should be supported to prevent difficulties related to academic achievement.