ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the influence of genetic and environmental factors on adolescents depressive symptoms. Methods The depressive mood were investigated in 107 twin pairs from Chongqing (aged from 11 to 18 years old) using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionaire (PSDQ), Family Stresses Questionnaire (FSQ), Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale 2nd Edition Chinese Version (FACES II-CV) and Stressful Life Event (SLE) were applied to assess their environment factors. The blood samples were collected to identify zygosity of twins. Structural equation model was performed to evaluate the effects of the additive genetic factors (A), shared envi?ronment factors (C) and individual specific environmental factors (E) on the adolescents depressive mood. Results The scores of depressive mood were negatively correlated with father’s education level (r=-0.15, P=0.03), mother’s educa?tion level (r=-0.17, P=0.01), scores of the authoritative-parenting-style (r=-0.18, P0.05). The effects of A and E on adolescents depressive symptoms were 0.37 (95%CI:0.14~0.57) and 0.63 (95%CI:0.43~0.86), respectively. Conclusion The authoritative-parenting-style and fami?ly adaptability are negatively correlated with depressive mood. Family stresses are positively correlated with depressive mood. Adolescents depressive mood is influenced by genetic factors and, to a greater extent, specific environmental factors.