Intergenerational Transmission of Depression: A Multiwave Assessment of Parental and Adolescent Depression

• In Event: Division E Section 1 Virtual Paper Session

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the longitudinal association between parental and adolescent depression in a four-wave longitudinal design involving 420 aged 10- and 15- years old adolescents and their parents. Bivariate latent growth curve modeling was adopted to disentangle different processes underlying the longitudinal association. We found correlated initial levels and correlated residuals of parental and adolescent depression, which manifested non-developmental and short-term developmental process respectively. Additionally, the correlated slopes, which represented the long-term developmental process, was found in father-child depression, but not in mother-child depression. The intergenerational transmission of depression was not locked in place, but rather dynamic. Relieved depression for parents, especially for fathers, can promote equitable psychological development among adolescents.

Authors

• Fan Shuming, East China Normal University
  Presenting Author

• Jing Zhang, East China Normal University
  Non-Presenting Author