Depression, anxiety and stress in adolescents and their associated factors: a latent profile analysis

Most research on mental health in adolescent centers on anxiety, depression, and their predictors. The characteristics of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in adolescents from an overall viewpoint remains unclear.

To understand the characteristics of depression, anxiety, and stress in different subgroups of adolescents and analyze the influencing factors.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales for Youth. Potential characteristics and related influencing factors were analyzed using latent profile analysis, a regression mixed model, and multiple logistic regression.

A total of 1408 higher vocational college students aged 14 ~ 17 years were included in this study. A two-profile model was proposed as the best: a High DASS-Y group (8.95%) with moderate and above negative emotions and a Low DASS-Y group (91.05%) with normal levels of negative emotional symptoms. Negative life events in adolescents could be significantly predicted, supporting the model's reliability. Adolescents from multi-child families (OR = 1.664, 95% CI: 1.077 ~ 2.571), those with chronic diseases (OR = 11.505, 95% CI: 6.354 ~ 20.840) and those with academic performance below 50% were at higher risk of negative emotions (OR = 1.705, 95% CI: 1.024 ~ 2.837). Adolescents who majored in science had a lower risk of negative emotions (OR = 0.513, 95% CI: 0.307 ~ 0.857).

These findings suggest that most of the negative emotional symptoms of adolescents were within the normal range. Although the High DASS-Y group was in a minority, the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were more serious, and more attention should be paid to adolescents, especially those from multi-child families, with chronic diseases and poor academic performance. Schools and parents should further provide relevant mental health education and strengthen emotional support for adolescents.

Not applicable.