Television linked to youths' depression: expert

Jet, June 20, 1994

If you're depressed by what's on TV, you're not alone.

There has been a "dramatically high" connection between the rise of television and a rise in depression among America's youth, says a Penn State University researcher.

"The social effects of television... must be included as a possible reason for the earlier onset and growth of major depression among the young," said Dr. Paul Kettl, associate professor of psychiatry at Penn State.

He added, "Thousands of hours of TV viewing expose our children to repetitive acts of senseless violence and may further distance children from social contacts with peers and family, leading to an increased risk of major depression."