ABSTRACT
The conceptualisation of anxiety has been expanded to include the traditionally recognised trait anxiety and the newer construct, anxiety sensitivity. Anxiety is often a precursor to depression. Rumination is a risk factor not only for depression but also for a related range of conditions such as anxiety, substance abuse and eating disorders. Evidence for the value of low self-esteem in predicting the development of anxiety and depressive symptomatology in adolescence and emerging adulthood is inconclusive due to the complex and multifaceted relationship between self-esteem and mental health outcomes. In contrast, a parenting style that was perceived as warm and authoritative was positively associated with active coping and negatively associated with anxiety. Mood and anxiety disorders, running away, and a sense of hopelessness also increase the risk for adolescent suicide attempts. Intervention should focus on breaking the cycle of depression and negative coping and should include an analysis of cognitions and attributions.
