The Relationship between Unpredictability in Childhood and Depression Among College Students: The Mediating Role of Coping Style and Resilience

Abstract

Abstract Background According to previous studies, unpredictability in childhood could significantly increase the risk of depression in adulthood. Only a few studies have explored the relationship between these two variables in China. This paper aims to explore the relationship between unpredictability in childhood and depression and examine the mediating roles of coping styles and resilience. Methods According to the properties of the bias-corrected bootstrap method, we surveyed 601 college students with an average age of 19.09 (SD = 2.78) years. Participants completed questionnaires regarding unpredictability in childhood, coping style, resilience, and depression. Results The results showed that childhood unpredictability is linked to higher rates of depression. Additionally, coping style, whether mature or immature, plays a mediating role in the relationship between childhood unpredictability and depression. Furthermore, resilience also plays a mediating role in this relationship, helping to buffer the effects of coping style on depression. Conclusions The results indicated that the risk of depression among college students who have experienced unpredictable childhood should be valued. Attention to coping styles and resilience should be paid to decrease depression among college students who have experienced unpredictable childhood.