Findings indicate that there are many pathways to the gender differences in depression and research on unique pathways can be used to develop specific interventions. Moreover, findings suggest that temperament, specifically withdrawal negativity, may be an especially important factor in the developmental trajectory of depression for females. Temperament or emotional reactivity might be incorporated into screening tools to identify those children and adolescents who might benefit most from early intervention efforts to prevent the first onset of a depressive episode. The study included 315 children and mothers who have participated in a longitudinal study of child development and family well-being since birth. Data were collected through questionnaires and in-home assessments. Child temperament at age 1 was measured with the infant behavior questionnaire. Stressful interpersonal events were assessed at age 15 with a version of the adolescent perceived events scale; depressive symptoms were assessed with the Children's Depression Inventory. Tables, figure, and references