Goth Teens more vulnerable to depression

A research was carried out to examine the mental health implications of group identity in British teens. Out of all teen sub-cultures, Goths were found to be more vulnerable when it comes to being into depression by the age of 18.

The research paper published the journal Lancet Psychiatry, has found that Goths were getting into depression almost twice the rate as children who identified themselves as skaters or loners. Teenagers who called themselves sporty were least likely to be depressed at the age of 18. In fact, they were in the last of the list to harm them.

Researchers said that teenagers who feel that they have been bullied or unhappy are more drawn to identify themselves with a social group that defines itself by not obeying to social norms. In the study, the researchers have followed 5,357 British kids.

The children were followed from birth till the time they were at least 16 years old. Before getting 16 years old, the researchers asked children with which social group (s) they most identify with.

Respondents named groups including Goths, sporty, populars, skaters, chavs, loners, keeners or bimbos. Out of the studied, around 12% said that they strongly identify with Goths subculture and remaining 88% said that they could not comply with this culture.

It was noticed that Goth teens were having a mother who had a history of depression. By the age of 18, 18% of the Goth teens met the diagnostic criteria for depression. Authors said, “Working with youths in the goth community to identify those at risk of depression and self-harm and provide support might be effective”.