TEEN DEPRESSION: ITS CAUSES AND MANIFESTATIONS

A Research Paper
Presented to
The Faculty of Assumption Iloilo
Iloilo City

In Partial Fulfillment
For the Requirements in
English for Academic and Professional Purposes
(EAPP)

by
Myrtle Danielle Mansilla
Mitzi Louise Solidio

2016

CHAPTER I
Introduction to the Study

Chapter 1 covers five parts: (1) Background of the Study, (2) Statement of the Problem,
(3) Significance of the Study, (4) Definition of Terms, and (5) Delimitation of the Study.
Part One, Background of the Study, presents the overview of the study.
Part Two, Statement of the Problem, presents the general and specific problems of the
study.
Part Three, Significance of the Study, enumerates and explains the benefits that may be
derived from the findings of the study.
Part Four, Definition of Terms, presents the conceptual and operational meanings of
important terms used in the study.
Part Five, Delimitation of the Study, specifies the scope and coverage of the study.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Depression is a condition in which one experiences crucial sadness, misery and
incapability of living normally (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2016). It is similar to a common
cold - people experience it once in awhile, but if not treated, it can be long-lasting and disabling.
Depressed people commit suicide at a rate 25 times higher than non-depressed people.
Depression is more usual than we think, especially among teenagers. Even though depression is
described as a normal human emotion, it can also be focused on teenagers when it interferes with
their ability to function (Framingham, 2016). Teen depression is a severe psychological problem
that causes continuous feeling of sorrow and lack of interest in everything. It is not a fragility or
something that can be overcome by self-discipline - it can have severe outcomes and needs long-

term treatment. Teen depression goes beyond moodiness. The signs of teen depression are not
always seen. Teenagers are fond of keeping what they feel to themselves. Teen depression can be
the effect of peer pressure, being out of place, academic expectations, physical and sexual abuse
or feeling hopeless towards something. Anger, irritability and agitation are the symptoms that are
always shown. Wanting to commit suicide is a sign that a person is depressed. As such, this study
aims to determine the causes and manifestation of depression among teenagers.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The study aimed to determine the causes and manifestation of depression among
teenagers.
Specifically, the study aimed to answer the following questions:
1. What are the causes of depression among teenagers when classified according to sex, economic
status, and birth order?
2. What manifestations of depression are seen among the teenagers?

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to:
1. Find out the causes of depression among teenagers when classified according to the
specified variables; and
2. Enumerate the manifestations of depression among teenagers.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The results of this study will be of benefit to the following:

Teenagers. The information gathered from the study can help teenagers identify the
causes of their depression so that they can avoid and manage them well.
Parents. Results of the study can help parents guide their children on how to cope and
deal with depression.
Psychologists. Psychologists can help teenagers overcome depression by giving
meaningful advice based on the outcomes of the study.
Immediate family members and friends. Aware of the causes and manifestations, the
teenagers immediate family members and friends may be able to extend help to minimize
intensity of emotions.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study focused on determining the causes and manifestation of depression among
twenty (20) teenagers who were chosen purposively. A researcher-made questionnaire was used
to gather the data.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
INDEPENDENT VARIABLES
Sex
Economic status
Birth order

DEPENDENT VARIABLE
Teen depression

Figure 1 shows the Independent Variables which are the sex, economic status, and number of
siblings in the family and how they impact on dependent variable which is teen depression.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Teenagers. Teenagers are people who are between thirteen and nineteen years old
(Merriam -Webster Dictionary, 2016).
In this study, teenagers take on the same definition.
Depression. Depression is a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad,
hopeless, and unimportant, and often is unable to live in a normal way (Merriam-Webster
Dictionary, 2016).
In this study, depression takes on the same definition.
Cause. Cause is something or someone that produces an effect, result, or condition.
In this study, cause takes on the same definition (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2016).
Manifestation. Manifestation is a sign that shows something clearly .
In this study, manifestation takes on the same definition (Merriam-Webster Dictionary,
2016).

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter is composed of four parts that deal with literature and studies which are
relevant to the researchers study, namely: (1) Definition of Depression, (2) Causes of
Depression, (3) Manifestation of Depression and (4) How to Cope with Depression

DEFINITION OF DEPRESSION
According to Edwards (2016), depression is a sickness that involves the body, mood, and
thoughts and that affects a persons way of eating, sleeping, and thinking about things. It is not a
temporary illness. It is not a manifestation of personal weakness or a condition that can be
treated right a way. Furman (2015) stated that depressed people are less attuned to their own
heartbeat. Depression is most often accompanied by a sense of hopelessness, a lack of energy,
and taking little or no pleasure in things that once gave a person joy in the past (Grohol, 2016).
As stated in an online article entitled Depression in Teens (2016) from mentalhealthamerica.net,
depression is serious and, if left untreated, can worsen to the point of becoming life-threatening.
It can be difficult to diagnose in teens because adults may expect teens to act moody. Also,
adolescents do not always understand or express their feelings very well. Based on the
University of Michigan Depression Center (2016), depression is more than just feeling down
but a severe illness caused by changes in brain chemistry. It is a serious condition and
unfortunately, a common one. Kloppers (2015) stated that Depression can be debilitating and is
very different from just feeling unhappy. Usually, there is a reason for unhappiness such as being
rejected or not getting the job you wanted. Depression is a pervasive feeling. Its almost as if you

are in a black tunnel with no light. Hope disappears and the things you used to find enjoyable
become a chore.
CAUSES OF DEPRESSION
According to an online article entitled Depression from beyondblue.org (2016),
depression usually results from a combination of recent events and other longer-term or personal
factors, rather than one immediate issue or event. Research suggests that continuing difficulties
long-term unemployment, living in an abusive or uncaring relationship, long-term isolation or
loneliness, prolonged work stress are more likely to cause depression than recent life stresses.
As stated by the University of Michigan Depression Center (2016), many factors may contribute
to the onset of depression, including genetic characteristics, change in hormone levels, certain
medical illnesses, stress, grief, or substance abuse. In an online article entitled Teen Depression
from www.clinical-depression.co.uk (2016), On the other hand, Mayo Clinic staff (2016) stated
that it is not known exactly what causes depression, but a variety of issues maybe involved.
These include: biological chemistry, hormones, inherited traits, early childhood trauma, learned
patterns of negative thinking. In relation to what Mayo Clinic stated, Gabbey (2016) said that
there are several possible causes of depression namely: genetic, biochemical, hormonal,
seasonal, and situational.

MANIFESTATIONS OF DEPRESSION
Krucik (2015) said that depression is a term often used to describe how a person feel
towards a bad situation. There are specific manifestations these include: mood disorders that
affects the way a person feel about life in general, loss of interest from activities that a person
once looked forward too, lack of energy, excessive sleeping or no sleep at all, anxiety,

irritability, increased or decreased appetite, uncontrollable emotions, and suicidal thoughts. Teen
Depression is a mental and emotional disorder and has no difference from adult depression
medically. However, symptoms in teens may manifest themselves in different ways than in adults
due to the different social and developmental challenges facing teens. Some signs of adolescent
depression include: appearing sad, irritable, or tearful, change in appetite or weight, lesser
interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness,
major changes in sleeping habits, regular complaints of boredom, talk of suicide withdrawal
from friends, and worsening school performance (Legg, 2016). Unlike adults, who have the
ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to
recognize their suffering and get the help they need. It is important to learn what teen depression
looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs. It might seem that recognizing
depression is easy, the signs are not always obvious. For teens with depression dont necessarily
appear sad. Irritability, anger, and agitation may be the most prominent symptoms. (Smith &
Seagal, 2016)

HOW TO COPE WITH DEPRESSION

Kloppers (2015) stated that, depression is not that simple, but there are ways to alleviate
the symptoms of depression. First, practice mindfulness it involves focusing present moment and
is a skill that needs to be practiced. Second, listen to upbeat music it can change an atmosphere
instantly and alters brain chemistry which can improve a persons mood. Third, use touch
because Science shows that touch therapies can help people overcome depression, lower the
stress hormone cortisol and increase the feel-good hormone oxytocin. Fourth, connect with
friends this can have a huge positive effect on your mood. Fifth,

Stop the negative self talk, do not take thoughts seriously when feeling low since the mind do not
function well. Sixth, regular exercise releases endorphins which improve natural immunity and
improve mood. Lastly, do not give up, depression can be well managed and there can be a
astonishing life beyond depression. As stated by Mitchell (2014), even if depression is persistent
and severe, small steps like, avoiding isolation by connecting with people, breaking tasks down
into small steps, accepting personal responsibility, avoiding negative thoughts, and going for a
walk or regular exercise can help ease the manifestations. Being depressed can make a person
feel helpless. Along with therapy and sometimes medication, there is a lot one can do to fight
back. Changing behavior -- physical activity, lifestyle, and even way of thinking -- are all
natural depression treatments (Griffin, 2016).

CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLGY

Chapter Three contains the following: (1) Research Design, restates the purpose of the
study, (2) Research Locale, discusses where the study was conducted, (3) Respondents, presents
the participants utilized in the study, (4) Materials Used, states the instruments used to gather
data and (5) Procedure, discusses the steps undertaken in conducting the study.

RESEARCH DESIGN
This research study made use of the simple descriptive research design which determined
the causes and manifestation of depression among teenagers when classified according to gender,
economic status and birth order.

RESEARCH LOCALE
The research was conducted in Assumption Iloilo, General Luna Street, Iloilo City from
August to September 2016.

RESPONDENTS
The respondents of this study were the twenty (20) purposively chosen teenagers: fifteen
(15) were the Grade XI learners of Assumption Iloilo enrolled for School Year 2016-2017 and
five (5) from outside the school.

MATERIALS USED
The researchers made a checklist questionnaire that contains the causes and
manifestations of depression. Respondents were asked to check the causes and manifestation of
their depression. Online articles entitled What Are the Main Causes of Depression? from
webmd.com and What are the signs and symptoms? from depression.org.nz were the basis in
making the checklist questionnaire.

PROCEDURE
The researchers administered the questionnaire to the twenty (20) purposively chosen
teenagers. Afterwards, the researchers tallied the results from which analysis of the data was
made. Conclusions were drawn based on the results.

CHAPTER IV
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents the findings of the study. A table is presented in every summary
statement shown below, which represents the variables that were used in the checklist given to
the twenty (20) respondents. The respondents were the twenty (20) purposively chosen
teenagers.

Table 1. Causes and Manifestations of Teen Depression As A Whole

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION
Abuse
Certain medications
Conflict
Death or a loss
Serious illnesses
Academic stress
Low self-esteem
Feeling of helplessness
Physical/emotional neglect
Family financial struggles
MANIFESTATIONS
Fatigue
Sleep problems
General irritability
Inability to concentrate
Anxiety
Alcoholism/drug taking
Suicidal thoughts
Trouble in making decisions
General stress
Feeling guilty

OVERALL
RESULT
3
2
10
4
4
15
15
13
15
4

RANK

3
1
1
2
1

9
12
13
3
13
3
17
1
5
11
15
2
17
1
10
Table 1 shows the overall result taken from the twenty (20) purposively chosen
respondents.

It shows that out of the twenty (20) respondents, fifteen (15) checked academic
stress, low self-esteem, and physical or emotional neglect as the most common causes of their
depression, followed by feeling of helplessness in the second rank that was checked by thirteen
(13) respondents, and conflict in the third rank that was checked by ten (10) respondents. For the
manifestations, it shows that general stress and anxiety were the most common among all
manifestations that were checked by seventeen (17) respondents, followed by trouble making
decisions in the second rank that was checked by fifteen (15) respondents and inability to
concentrate and general irritability in the third rank that was checked by thirteen (13)
respondents. It shows that out of the twenty (20) respondents, most of them answered academic
stress, low self-esteem, and physical or emotional neglect as the causes of their depression which
agrees to an online article entitled Teen Depression from www.clinical-depression.co.uk. The
results show that general stress and anxiety are the most common manifestations of their
depression which agrees to the study of Krucik.

.Table 2. Causes and Manifestations of Teen Depression According to Sex

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION
Abuse
Certain medications
Conflict
Death or a loss
Serious illnesses
Academic stress
Low self-esteem
Feeling of helplessness
Physical/emotional neglect
Family financial struggles
MANIFESTATIONS
Fatigue
Sleep problems

MALE
2
2
6
3
1
8
7
7
6
2

6
5

RANK

1
2
2
3

FEMALE RANK
1
0
4
1
3
7
8
6
9
2

3
7

3
2
1

General irritability
Inability to concentrate
Anxiety
Alcoholism/drug taking
Suicidal thoughts
Trouble making decisions
General stress
Feeling guilty

6
7
9
3
6
7
9
6

3
2
1
3
2
1
3

7
6
8
2
5
8
8
4

2
3
1

1
1

Table 2 above presents the results of the Causes and Manifestations of Teen
Depression when classified according to sex.

It shows that when classified according to sex, the topmost causes of teen
depression in male are academic stress in the first rank, low self-esteem and feeling of
helplessness in the second rank, and feeling of helplessness in the third rank. For the
females, the topmost causes of depression are physical or emotional neglect, followed by
low self-esteem in the second rank, and lastly, academic stress in the third rank. For the
manifestations of teen depression, the most common in male are anxiety and general
stress in the first rank, followed by trouble making decisions, and inability to concentrate
in the second rank, and fatigue, general irritability, suicidal thoughts, and feeling guilty in
the third rank. While for the females, the most common manifestations of teen
depression are anxiety, general stress, and trouble making decisions in the first rank,
followed by sleep problems, and general irritability in the second rank and lastly, inability
to concentrate in the third rank.

Table 3. Causes and Manifestations of Teen Depression According to Economic Status

CAUSES OF
DEPRESSION
Abuse
Certain medications
Conflict
Death or a loss

0 25,000
0
0
2
1

RANK

25,001 75,000
3
2
6
2

RANK

3
2

75,001
and
above
0
0
2
1

RANK

Serious illnesses
1
1
1
Academic stress
5
1
6
2
4
2
Low self-esteem
3
2
7
1
5
1
Feeling of helplessness
3
2
6
2
4
2
Physical/emotional
5
1
6
2
4
2
neglect
Family financial
2
3
2
0
struggles
MANIFESTATIONS
Fatigue
3
3
3
2
Sleep problems
3
6
2
3
2
General irritability
4
3
4
3
5
1
Inability to concentrate
4
3
6
2
3
2
Anxiety
6
1
6
2
5
1
Alcoholism/drug taking
2
1
2
3
Suicidal thoughts
4
3
4
3
3
2
Trouble making
4
3
6
2
5
1
decisions
General stress
5
2
7
1
5
1
Feeling guilty
3
4
3
3
2
Table 3 above presents the results of the Causes and Manifestations of Teen Depression when
classified according to economic status.

It shows that when classified according to economic status, the topmost causes of teen
depression in the lower class are physical or emotional neglect, and academic stress in the first
rank, followed by feeling of helplessness and low self-esteem in the second rank and lastly,
conflict and family financial struggles in the third rank. For the middle class, the topmost causes
of teen depression are low self-esteem in the first rank, followed by conflict, physical or

emotional neglect, feeling of helplessness, and academic stress in the second rank and lastly,
abuse in the third rank. Lastly, for the upper class the topmost causes of teen depression are low
self-esteem in the first rank, followed by academic stress, feeling of helplessness, and physical
or emotional neglect in the second rank and lastly, conflict in the third rank. On the other hand,
the topmost manifestations of teen depression in the lower class are anxiety in the first rank,
general stress in the second rank, and lastly, trouble making decision, suicidal thoughts, general
irritability, and inability to concentrate in the third rank. For the middle class, the topmost
manifestations of teen depression are general stress in the first rank, followed by trouble in
making decisions, anxiety, inability to concentrate and sleep problems in the second rank and
lastly, feeling guilty, suicidal thoughts, and general irritability in the third rank. Lastly, for the
upper class the topmost manifestations are general stress, trouble making decisions, anxiety, and
general irritability in the first rank, followed by sleep problems, fatigue, inability to concentrate,
suicidal thoughts, and feeling guilty in the second rank, and lastly, alcoholism or drug taking in
the third rank.

Table 4. Causes and Manifestations of Teen Depression According to Birth Order

CAUSES OF
DEPRESSION
Abuse
Certain medications
Conflict
Death or a loss
Serious illnesses
Academic stress
Low self-esteem
Feeling of helplessness
Physical/emotional neglect
Family financial struggles
Fatigue
Sleep problems
General irritability
Inability to concentrate
Anxiety
Alcoholism/drug taking
Suicidal thoughts
Trouble making decisions
General stress
Feeling guilty

FIRST RANK SECOND RANK THIR RANK FOURTH RANK

D
0
1
2
0
0
0
2
0
2
4
2
3
2
0
1
0
3
2
0
1
0
1
1
1
6
2
4
2
4
1
0
7
1
5
1
2
0
5
3
4
2
3
2
0
6
2
4
2
4
1
0
1
2
3
1
0
MANIFESTATIONS
5
3
2
3
3
3
0
4
4
2
2
1
1
5
3
4
2
3
3
1
1
4
5
1
3
3
0
6
2
5
1
5
1
0
3
1
1
0
5
3
2
3
4
2
0
6
2
5
1
3
3
0
7
1
5
1
3
3
1
1
4
2
3
3
3
0

Table 4 presents the results of the Causes and Manifestations of Teen Depression when classified
according to birth order.

It shows that, when classified according to birth order, the topmost causes of teen
depression for the first born are low self-esteem in the first rank, followed by physical or
emotional stress, conflict, academic stress, and feeling of helplessness in the second rank, and
lastly, family financial struggles in the third rank. For the second born, the topmost causes of
teen depression are low self-esteem in the first rank, followed by conflict, academic stress,
feeling of helplessness, and physical or emotional neglect in the second rank, and lastly, family
financial struggles in the third rank. For the third born, the the topmost causes of teen depression
are academic stress and physical or emotional neglect in the first rank, followed by conflict,

death or loss, and feeling of hopelessness in the second rank, lastly, abuse, certain medications,
and low self-esteem in the third rank. For the fourth born, the topmost causes of teen depression
is serious illnesses. On the other hand, the topmost manifestations of teen depression for the first
born are general stress in the first rank, followed by anxiety, and trouble in making decisions in
the second rank, and lastly fatigue, general irritability, and suicidal thoughts are in the third rank.
For the second born the topmost manifestations are general stress, trouble in making decisions,
anxiety, inability to concentrate in the first rank, followed by sleep problems, and general
irritability in the second rank, and lastly, feeling guilty, suicidal thoughts, and fatigue in the third
rank. For the third born, the topmost manifestations are anxiety in the first rank, followed by
suicidal thoughts in the second rank, and lastly, feeling guilty, general stress, trouble in making
decisions, inability to concentrate, general irritability, and fatigue in the third rank. For the fourth
born the topmost manifestations are sleep problems, general irritability and generals stress.

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter summarizes the study and gives some important observations and results.
Conclusions are drawn from the analysis of data. Implications explain the relationship between
the findings and practices. Recommendations based on research findings considered to be of
utmost importance are also presented.
Chapter Five is divided into four parts: (1) Summary of the Problem, Method and
Findings, (2) Conclusions, (3) Implications and (4) Recommendations.
Part One, Summary of the Problem, Method and Findings, reports on the most important
points of the study and the findings.
Part Two, Conclusions present the realizations drawn from the study.
Part Three, Implications explains the relationship between the findings of the present
study and some practices surrounding this research.
Part Four, Recommendations offers some suggestions in relation to the findings,
conclusions and implications.

SUMMARY

This study dealt with the causes and manifestation of depression among teenagers.
More specifically, the study answered the following questions:
What are the causes and manifestation of depression among teenagers when classified according
to sex?
What are the causes and manifestation of depression among teenagers when classified according
to economic status?
What are the causes and manifestation of depression among teenagers when classified according
to birth order?

The nature of the research investigation was descriptive in design which made use of a
researcher-made checklist questionnaire. The online articles entitled What Are the Main Causes
of Depression? from webmd.com and What are the signs and symptoms? from depression.org.nz
were the basis of placing the subareas under each major variable.

The study was conducted among the twenty (20) purposively chosen teenagers: fifteen
(15) were the Grade XI learners of Assumption Iloilo enrolled for School Year 2016-2017 and
five (5) from outside the school.

The independent variables of the study were the sex, economic status and birth order of
the twenty (20) purposively chosen teenagers. The dependent variable was teen depression.
The findings of the study are as follow: the results of the causes and manifestations of teen
depression showed that most of them answered academic stress, low self-esteem, and physical or
emotional neglect as the causes of their depression and general stress and anxiety are the most
common manifestations of their depression.

CONCLUSIONS
Based on the preceding findings, the following conclusions were drawn: the causes and
manifestations of teen depression when classified according to sex, economic status, and birth
order have a significant difference.

IMPLICATIONS
Based on the preceding conclusions, the following implications were drawn:
Teenagers should be aware of the causes and manifestations of their depression so
that they could seek for help immediately and avoid it from getting worse.
Teenagers should be assisted by either their parents or psychologists on their
depression.

RECOMMENDATIONS
In view of the findings, conclusions and implications, the following are recommended: In
view of the findings, conclusions, and implications the following are recommended:
The school as an institution specifically its guidance personnel should play an active role
in counseling teenagers especially with their problems.
The parents should be aware and understand what their children feel and help them cope
with their depression.
For the future researchers, they can add more respondents in their study and instead of
knowing the causes and manifestations of teen depression they can also look for its effects.