Kochel and her colleagues suspect that a similar pattern may occur in children. “One possibility is that depressed youth maybe exhibit social skill deficits or behaviors…or excessively talk about their problems,” she says. “These are all things that have the potential to be irritating to peers.”
Jennifer Lansford, PhD, a developmental psychologist at Duke University’s Center for Child and Family Policy, in Durham, N.C., says the study was “rigorous and well-conducted” and that the findings make sense.
“Even from a pretty early age, [expressions] of sadness or…other negative emotions can lead to problems with peers,” she says. “If parents and teachers are able to work with kids to express their emotions in different ways, then they may not elicit the same maltreatment from peers.”
Lansford emphasizes, however, that depressed behavior never justifies the bullying or exclusion of a child. “I think it’s important to avoid a ‘blame the victim’ perspective on this,” she says.
The findings, Kochel says, drive home how important it is for parents and teachers to be aware of the signs of depression in children, arrange for treatment if needed, and help depressed children socialize and get along with their peers. The cycle of depression and victimization is likely to get worse if left unchecked, since depressive symptoms tend to intensify during the teen years, she says.
Parents who are concerned that their child might be having a hard time socially can volunteer in his or her school to get a better sense of what’s going on, Lansford says. And they can encourage friendships by organizing playdates, she adds.
“Even just having one good friend can really be a buffer against victimization—or depression, for that matter,” she says. “If kids are able to establish one solid friendship, that can be a real protective factor for them.”
