Edwards, D., Collin-Vézina, D., Danbrook, M. C., Wekerle, C., & The, M. A. P. R. T. (2022). Longitudinal trajectories of depressive symptoms among sexually abused adolescents involved in child protection services. Child Abuse and Neglect, 131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105742
There has been little longitudinal research on depression among sexually abused adolescents involved with child protection services. Following these youth in urban Ontario over three years, this study found that their depressive symptoms generally decreased over time, unlike patterns seen in community samples. More severe sexual abuse predicted higher depressive symptoms throughout, which supports early mental health screening for these youth.