In examining the varied pathways to depression in youngsters, currently depressed children of depressed mothers were hypothesized to differ in predictors of their depression compared with depressed children of nondepressed mothers. The study sample consisted of 812 adolescents age 15, of depressed and nondepressed women in Queensland, Australia between 1996 and 1999. The study examined chronic and episodic stress in the past 6 to 12 months in relations to current depressive disorders. The analyses confirmed that the association between severity of depressive experiences and chronic social difficulties was stronger for adolescent offspring of depressed mothers than for children of nondepressed mothers. Results are consistent with an interpersonal impairment model of depression for offspring of depressed mothers. Many depressed mothers themselves have been raised in problematic family environment and failed to acquire effective skills and coping capabilities. Further studies are recommended on the various pathways to depression in youngsters. Study limitations are discussed. References