The purpose of this study was to identify salient risk factors for depression in early adolescence from a group of common predictors. The following nine predictors were examined: (1) perceived quality of peer relationships, (2) perceived parental nurturance, (3) perceived parental rejection, (4) self-esteem, (5) body image, (6) pubertal status, (7) SES, (8) conduct problems, and (9) hyperactivity/inattention. The sample of 2,014 12 and 13 year olds was also divided by gender to examine potential sex differences in risk factors for depression. Finally, several mediational models were investigated. Self-esteem emerged as the strongest predictor of depression in both genders; parental behavior also emerged as an important risk factor. Therefore, these two variables are discussed as targets for those developing intervention and prevention programs. (Contains 10 tables.)