Values and Depressive Symptoms in American Indian Youth of the Northern Plains: Examining the Potential Moderating Roles of Outcome Expectancies and Perceived Community Values

• NCJ Number: 245779
• Journal: Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 43 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2014 Pages: 426-436
• Author(s): Alicia C. Mousseau; Walter D. Scott; David Estes
• Date Published: March 2014
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored the relationship between value priorities and depressive symptoms among 183 (65 percent female) American Indian youth in grades 9-12.

Abstract

Very little is known about processes contributing to depressive experiences in American Indian youth. The authors explored the relationship between value priorities and depressive symptoms among 183 (65 percent female) American Indian youth in grades 9-12. In addition, two potential moderators of this relationship were examined: value outcome expectations (i.e., whether one expects that values will be realized or not) and perceived community values. The authors found that American Indian youth who endorsed higher levels of tradition/benevolence values reported fewer depressive symptoms. However, the relationship between endorsing power/materialism values and depressive symptoms depended on the extent to which youth perceived their communities as valuing power/materialism. Finally, value outcome expectancies appeared to relate more strongly to depressive symptoms than did value priorities. Overall, these findings support tribal community efforts to impart tradition/benevolence values to American Indian youth but also emphasize the importance of attending to value outcome expectations and the perceived values of the community in understanding American Indian youth's depressive experiences. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.