Testing a syndemics perspective on the effects of multiple adversities on depression and anxiety symptoms in a representative population sample

Author:

Batterham Philip J.ORCID,Dawel Amy,Murray Kristen,Shou Yiyun,Gulliver Amelia,Cherbuin Nicolas,Farrer Louise M.

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Considerable empirical evidence indicates that stressful life experiences may have a negative impact on mental health. However, it is unclear how multiple adverse experiences may intersect to influence symptoms of depression and anxiety. Using a syndemics approach to identify potential synergistic effects between major stressors, we aimed to quantify the roles of multiple recent adverse life experiences on depression and anxiety symptoms. Methods A population-representative sample of 1090 Australian adults (53% women, Mage 47 years) completed a cross-sectional survey in 2022 that assessed mental health and retrospective reports of nine specific stressful life experiences in the past year. Results The most common adverse life experiences in the past year were financial problems (64%), loneliness (63%), or a major health problem (51%). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, financial problems, personal health problems, health problems in a close contact, relationship problems and loneliness were significantly associated with both depression and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.05). There was just one synergistic interaction and one buffering interaction of combined adversities on anxiety, and no synergistic interactions of adverse experiences on depression. The perceived impact of combined adversities was associated with both depression (b = 0.59, p < 0.001) and anxiety (b = 0.48, p < 0.001). Conclusion Adversity was strongly associated with depression and anxiety. Inconsistent with a syndemics framework, there were very few synergistic relationships between different types of adversities, suggesting that different adverse experiences may independently influence mental health. The findings indicate important opportunities for early intervention to prevent depression and anxiety during difficult times.

Funder

Australian Research Council

Australian National University

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3