Dysfunctional attitudes, social support, negative life events, and depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents: A moderated mediation model

Depression is a prevalent psychological issue in adolescents that is significantly related to negative life events (NLEs) and dysfunctional attitudes. High levels of social support can significantly buffer NLEs' effect on depression. Currently, there is limited research on how social support moderates the relationship between NLEs, dysfunctional attitudes, and depression in adolescents in China. It is imperative to investigate this moderating effect to mitigate dysfunctional attitudes in adolescent undergoing depressive mood, ultimately enhancing their overall mental health.

To investigate the relationship and underlying mechanisms between specific dysfunctional attitudes, social support, and depression among Chinese adolescents.

This is a cross-sectional study which selected five middle schools in Shandong Province for investigation in March 2022. Participants included 795 adolescents (49.87% male, mage = 15.15, SD = 1.84, age range = 11-18 years old). All participants completed the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, Adolescent Life Event Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Social Support Rating Scale. A moderated mediation model was conducted to examine the relationship between specific dysfunctional attitudes, social support, and depression.

Results indicated that NLEs affected depression through the mediating role of specific dysfunctional attitudes (autonomy attitudes β = 0.21; perfectionism β = 0.25). Moreover, social support was found to moderate the mediating effect between NLEs, specific dysfunctional attitudes, and depressive symptoms (autonomy attitudes b₂ = -0.08; perfectionism b₂ = -0.09).

Dysfunctional attitudes mediated and social support moderated the relationship between NLEs and depression. Social support can buffer depression symptoms among adolescents with autonomy attitudes and perfectionism.