DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS, ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, AND INTELLIGENCE

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between self-reported depressive symptoms, intelligence, and academic achievement. The sample consisted of 635 school children (304 boys and 331 girls) aged 9-11 years. The variables were assessed using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and the grade point average. The data indicate that depressive symptoms are related to academic achievement, in boys also to intelligence. The relationship between depressive symptoms and school grades reached statistical significance in both sexes. In boys, the CDI total scores were associated with full-scale and verbal IQ. Academic achievement was significantly related to full-scale, verbal, and performance IQ in both boys and girls. No gender differences in depressive symptoms or academic achievement were found. Significant gender differences in favor of boys emerged in full-scale and performance IQ.