“How do you see your life now?” a photo-elicitation study focused on depression and social skills in adolescence

Abstract

Previous studies have reported associations between low levels of social skills and the prevalence of depressive symptoms in adolescents. Although substantial quantitative research has been carried out on this association, there have been few qualitative investigations into this topic. This study explores the association of depression symptoms and social skills repertoires in adolescence qualitatively, using photo-elicitation. Eight Brazilian adolescents were divided into two groups considering the presence or absence of depression symptoms, gender and socio-economic conditions. Participants were asked to take six pictures regarding a specific question. Individual interviews about their images were conducted. Visual and textual data were analysed using Thematic Analysis and four guidance questions. Socially skilled behaviours were associated with adolescents' perceived support and considered a protective factor for depression during stressful life events. Relationships with parents and new school colleagues were the primary sources of social skills challenges. Parents’ lack of social skills seemed to be associated with adolescents’ low social skills repertories. Hobbies were found to facilitate adolescents’ engagement in social interactions. The study extends our knowledge of how adolescents experience the association of depression and social skills in their daily lives, contributing to inform adolescents' and parents' social skills training focused on decreasing adolescents’ depression symptoms. Limitations and implications for practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.