Depressiveness in Children and Adolescents: A Cross-cultural Study in Russia and Kyrgyzstan

Difference in depressiveness among children and adolescents from Russian and Kyrgyz non-clinical samples was investigated. 1139 children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 from Russia (n=752) and Kyrgyzstan (n=387) took part in the survey. Depressiveness was measured by means of Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Significant difference in CDI scores was shown for country×age (p=0,003) and country×gender×age (p=0,03) factors (based on ANOVA). Kyrgyz 7-11 y.o. boys scored significantly higher compared to Russian peers. Difference among girls didn’t reach significance level. Different age dynamics for Russian and Kyrgyz girls was shown. The possible reasons for higher scores among Kyrgyz 7-11 year olds are discussed.