Distress in Adolescence in China: Concurrent Environmental Characteristicsand Pathways to Depression in Adulthood

ABSTRACT

This study purposes to examine the direct pathways from psychological distress and environmental factors in adolescence to depression in adulthood, as well as the indirect pathways via life satisfaction, confidence in the future, and interpersonal relationships. 1,759 respondents who were measured in both 2010 and 2018 in China Family Panel Studies were included. Using structural equation modelling (SEM), this study found that psychological distress in adolescence has unique impacts on depression in adulthood. Family environment was indirectly associated with adulthood depression through life satisfaction. School satisfaction demonstrated its salient influences on adulthood depression through life satisfaction, confidence in the future, and interpersonal relationships. Based on longitudinal data, this study depicted complex mechanisms shaping adulthood depression which involved both adolescent psychological distress and concurrent environmental factors. Correspondingly, social work practices should be improved regarding early intervention on psychological distress, integration of different practical areas, and adoption of interpersonal therapeutic treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• Adolescent
• psychological distress
• depression
• environmental factors
• structural equation modelling

Acknowledgments

Data for this study come from the China Family Panel Studies, which is archived at the Open Research Data Platform of Peking University.

Notes

1. 1. Youth League is officially defined as the youth organisation of the Communist Party of China. For adolescents, participating in Youth League means that this person has satisfactory performance in school and is politically reliable.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shaojie Pan

Shaojie Pan is a doctoral student in School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, State University of New York. He obtained both a Master degree and a Bachelor degree of Social Work from Renmin University of China. His research interest mainly focuses on trauma, resilience, mental health, and NGO development. Prior to pursuing a doctoral degree in the U.S., Shaojie Pan served as a child social worker in China for two years