Development trajectories and predictive factors of adolescent dual-factor depressive symptoms: A latent transition...

This study investigated depressive symptom profiles based on the dual core dimensions of depressed mood and anhedonia in Chinese adolescents, examining their dynamic transitions over a one-year period and the predictive effects of academic performance satisfaction (APS) and emotion reactivity (ER) on these transitions.

A longitudinal survey was conducted among 1581 Chinese secondary school students, with three waves at 6-month intervals. Depressed mood and anhedonia were assessed using the Depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales and the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale, respectively. Latent Profile Analysis and latent transition analysis were used to identify symptom profiles and their dynamics, while multinomial logistic regression analyzed predictors of profile transitions.

Four depressive symptom profiles were identified across all time points: Minimal, Mild, Moderate, and Severe. The Minimal profile was highly stable (approximately 85% retention), while the Mild profile showed fluidity, acting as a pivotal state for improvement or deterioration. Lower APS and higher ER significantly predicted transitions to more severe profiles or hindered recovery. Age significantly influenced transitions, whereas gender effects were largely non-significant.

This study relied exclusively on self-reported data, and some potential protective factors were not assessed.

Adolescent depressive symptoms present heterogeneous profiles with distinct dynamics. APS and ER are key modifiable factors influencing transitions between profiles, underscoring the importance of distinguishing core depressive dimensions for assessment and tailored intervention.