The Longitudinal Relationships Between Internalizing and Externalizing Problem Behaviors and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Adolescents: A Cross‐Lagged Panel Network Analysis.
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| Title: | The Longitudinal Relationships Between Internalizing and Externalizing Problem Behaviors and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Adolescents: A Cross‐Lagged Panel Network Analysis. |
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| Authors: | Qin, Xiao-Dong (AUTHOR), Lu, Li (AUTHOR), Li, Zi-Wei (AUTHOR), Li, Rong (AUTHOR), Zhao, Zhuoru (AUTHOR), Zhou, Zhongliang (AUTHOR), Liu, Shou (AUTHOR), Shen, Qing (AUTHOR), Lai, Sha (AUTHOR), Sampaio, Francisco (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. 7/20/2026, Vol. 2026, p1-14. 14p. |
| Subjects: | Mental depression risk factors, Risk assessment, Statistical correlation, Statistical power analysis, Statistical models, Cross-sectional method, Prediction models, Secondary analysis, Conceptual models, Research funding, Questionnaires, Socioeconomic factors, Logistic regression analysis, Statistical sampling, Internalizing behavior, Descriptive statistics, Longitudinal method, Odds ratio, Psychology, Research, Externalizing behavior, Comparative studies, Sociodemographic factors, Confidence intervals, Data analysis software, Sensitivity & specificity (Statistics), Adolescence |
| Geographic Terms: | China |
| Abstract: | Background: Associations at the variable level between problem behaviors and depressive symptoms have been established, while fine‐grained directional pathways between specific symptoms over time have not been thoroughly mapped in adolescents. This study aimed to uncover the distinct longitudinal relationships between adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors and depressive symptoms, employing comorbidity network analysis (CNA) and cross‐lagged panel network (CLPN) analysis. Methods: Participants from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), with data from 2018 (T1) and 2022 (T2), were included. Internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors and depressive symptoms were assessed using well‐validated scales. CNA was performed to examine cross‐sectional relationships, and CLPN analyzed longitudinal dynamics adjusting for covariates. Results: A total of 1165 adolescents aged 9–15 years (mean age 12.12) were included. CNA identified "E4: Difficulty finishing school work" as a bridge symptom connecting other problem behaviors and depressive symptoms at T1 and "I4: Feel sad" at T2. CLPN revealed that "D2: Everything was an effort" exhibited the highest out‐expected influence (1.67), and "I3: Feel lonely" exhibited the highest in‐expected influence (1.99). Two strong negative bridging edges were as follows: "D8: Could not get going" ⟶ "I8: Feel ashamed over mistakes at school" (OR = 0.89) and "E6: Get in trouble for fighting" ⟶ "I5: Worry about school performance" (OR = 0.88). All externalizing problem behaviors acted as bridge symptoms. Conclusion: The study enabled precise detection of adolescents at risk and critical intervention targets by identifying key and bridge symptoms; early prevention and interventions to mitigate the subsequent trajectory of problem behaviors and mental health problems should be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Background: Associations at the variable level between problem behaviors and depressive symptoms have been established, while fine‐grained directional pathways between specific symptoms over time have not been thoroughly mapped in adolescents. This study aimed to uncover the distinct longitudinal relationships between adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors and depressive symptoms, employing comorbidity network analysis (CNA) and cross‐lagged panel network (CLPN) analysis. Methods: Participants from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), with data from 2018 (T1) and 2022 (T2), were included. Internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors and depressive symptoms were assessed using well‐validated scales. CNA was performed to examine cross‐sectional relationships, and CLPN analyzed longitudinal dynamics adjusting for covariates. Results: A total of 1165 adolescents aged 9–15 years (mean age 12.12) were included. CNA identified "E4: Difficulty finishing school work" as a bridge symptom connecting other problem behaviors and depressive symptoms at T1 and "I4: Feel sad" at T2. CLPN revealed that "D2: Everything was an effort" exhibited the highest out‐expected influence (1.67), and "I3: Feel lonely" exhibited the highest in‐expected influence (1.99). Two strong negative bridging edges were as follows: "D8: Could not get going" ⟶ "I8: Feel ashamed over mistakes at school" (OR = 0.89) and "E6: Get in trouble for fighting" ⟶ "I5: Worry about school performance" (OR = 0.88). All externalizing problem behaviors acted as bridge symptoms. Conclusion: The study enabled precise detection of adolescents at risk and critical intervention targets by identifying key and bridge symptoms; early prevention and interventions to mitigate the subsequent trajectory of problem behaviors and mental health problems should be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00315990 |
| DOI: | 10.1155/ppc/4779277 |
