Final answer:
It is true that the rate of clinical depression in girls triples during the adolescent years, influenced by the psychological and physical changes of puberty and increased sensitivity to social dynamics and pressures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the rate of clinical depression in girls triples during the adolescent years is true. Adolescent years are a period of significant psychological and physical changes, which can increase the vulnerability to mental health issues.
Studies like the one by Ge, Conger, and Elder (2001) indicate that girls are particularly at risk due to the myriad of social, biological, and environmental stressors they encounter during this time. The onset of puberty brings about emotional challenges and an increased risk for depression, especially as girls navigate complex social dynamics and the drastic hormonal changes associated with the pubertal transition.
Additionally, the epidemiological research by Kessler and colleagues demonstrates that the lifetime prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) increases significantly in adolescence with a more pronounced rise in females compared to males. The pubertal transition period has been associated with an increase in stressful life events, which can contribute to the emergence of gender differences in depressive symptoms. Furthermore, puberty can be a time of heightened sensitivity to peer interactions and societal pressures, which for some young females can lead to rumination and increased vulnerability to depression.