Seminar Series: Dr. Josette Rosine Aniwuvi Gbeto
Adolescent Mental Health and Peer Support
Josette Rosine Aniwuvi Gbeto
Postdoctoral Associate
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University
Short Biography:
Josette Rosine Aniwuvi Gbeto is a Postdoctoral Associate at Western University. Her research interests lie in Health Economics, Social Interactions, and Applied Microeconomics. Josette holds a PhD in Economics from Université Laval (2025).
Abstract:
This study investigates how adolescent depression affects the mobilization of emotional support from peers and how the composition of friendship networks shapes future mental health and educational attainment. Using longitudinal U.S. survey data, I distinguish between risky friends and protective friends, defined as non-depressed, academically engaged, and non–substance-using. I find that a one-point increase in the depression score increases the likelihood of discussing problems with up to five friends, with stronger effects for girls. In the short term, each additional protective friend reduces depression by 0.36 points (5% of the mean), rising to 0.48 points (7% of the mean) when problems are actively discussed. In the long term, protective friendships remain linked to lower depression and substantially higher college completion, with the effect on graduation nearly tripling when support comes exclusively from protective friends. These findings highlight the importance of friend quality as a buffer against depression and a driver of human capital accumulation.
Area of Research:
Mental Health; Depression; Peer Effects; Health Economics; Social Interactions; Physician Referral Networks; Patient Access to Specialist Care; Government Policies; Physician Retention in Remote Regions
Learn more about Josette:
Website
Date: Friday, March 20
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: PHFM 3015 (Western Centre for Public Health and Family Medicine)
