Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Network analysis of depression and anxiety symptoms and their associations with psychological help-seeking delay
Xiaohang Wang1, Quzhi Liu2, Xingfa Long3
1Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Network analysis provides a novel approach to examining associations among mental health symptoms. This study explored the network structure of depression and anxiety symptoms and their relationship with psychological help-seeking delay among Chinese university students. 823 students completed the 20-item General Health Questionnaire and the Help-Seeking Delay Scale. Centrality and bridge centrality indices identified central and bridge symptoms, and stability was assessed via case-dropping bootstrap. Overwhelm, Restless and tension, and Mental strain were the most central symptoms. Perceiving life-as-battle (GHQ-D6) and feeling overwhelmed (GHQ-A5) emerged as key bridge symptoms. Irritability affects sleep (GHQ-A2), Overwhelm (GHQ-A5), and Mental strain (GHQ-A4) were strongly associated with delayed help-seeking. These findings suggest that anxiety-related symptoms, particularly Overwhelm, may be critical intervention targets for students with comorbid depression and anxiety. From a network perspective, anxiety symptoms may play a relatively stronger role than depressive symptoms in understanding psychological help-seeking delays in university populations.
Related Concept Videos
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Social Anxiety Disorder
Horney's Sociocultural Approach

