Depressive Symptoms and Negative Experiences in School: A Network Analysis

Abstract

Negative experiences in school predict adolescents’ depression. However, the dynamic interactions of depressive symptoms with adolescents’ negative experiences in school remain unclear. This study aimed to applied network analysis to detect the complex relationships between early adolescents’ depressive symptoms and negative experiences in school. We adopted the data from a Chinese national survey conducted in 2018. Eight hundred ninety-seven adolescents from 10 to 15 years old were included. The measurements included an 8-item depression screener scale and a 14-item scale assessing negative experiences in school. The centrality analysis suggested that Chinese early adolescents’ core depressive symptoms were negative affections. Regarding “negative experiences in the school,” the most central nodes were poor academic performance and peer relationships. The bridge-centrality results showed negative emotions in school and difficulties in peer relationships were significantly linked to depression. Educators should pay attention to adolescents’ negative affection and difficulties in peer relationships in school settings because they are potential signs of depression. Relevant peer support intervention aiming for adolescents’ social development should be underscored.