Despite research consistently demonstrating a link between
childhood maltreatment and depression, our understanding of the
potential mediators of this relationship remains limited. Based on the
existing literature and corresponding theories, a theoretical model was
constructed to assess the effects of childhood maltreatment,
impulsivity, hopelessness, and substance use on adolescent offenders'
depression severity. This model was tested for sexual abuse, physical
abuse, emotional abuse, and emotional neglect using a series of path
analyses. Impulsivity and hopelessness partially mediated the effects of
childhood sexual abuse and emotional abuse on depression severity,
and fully mediated the effects of childhood physical abuse and
emotional neglect. Contrary to expectation, substance use did not
mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and
depression severity. These results suggest that childhood maltreatment,
impulsivity, and hopelessness may be important variables to include in
clinical research related to depression in incarcerated youth.