Adaptation to the challenges of adulthood and the level of depressiveness. Comparison of the control and clinical groups in the context of the theory of positive youth development

Objectives This article addresses the issue of depression and the development of competencies that promote adaptation to adulthood. The foundation of the presented research is the theory of positive development based on strengthening the potential of the individual and focusing less on deficits. Offering creative leisure time, is at the same time a distraction from inappropriate behavior. Material and methods The article analyzed the relationship between the level of depressiveness and indicators of adaptation to adulthood (mentioned in the theory of positive development). Self-esteem and interpersonal emotion regulation strategies were also included in the analysis, as the mentioned individual and environmental factors are important resources in coping with stress. The study conducted on a group of 184 people, of which 150 were the control group and 34 were the clinical group. Results The analysis of the results leads to the conclusion that there is a relationship between the indicators of adaptation to adulthood and the level of depression. Both selected indicators of positive youth development, self-esteem and selected interpersonal emotion regulation strategies constitute resources that protect against depression. Conclusions Preventive actions should include strengthening self-esteem and be based on recognizing potential and strengths, in accordance with the theory of positive development.