Page 22 - Violence and Mental Health
P. 22
CONCLUSION
The use of the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) to assess depressive symptoms in youths
in Jamaica is an effective way to identify prevalent symptoms that impact mental health
for that population. Gender differences in depression scores are consistent with studies in
other countries (Lowe 2005). In comparison to previous studies (Beck 1967), this sample had
a higher percentage of youths scoring in the “none to minimal” depressive and severely
depressed ranges.
These findings warrant closer examination of the factors contributing to depression among
Jamaican youths. This information should be useful for practitioners working with similar
populations.
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