Associations between early life transitions and depressed mood over time: A 27-year study

Abstract Background Few studies have looked at how life transitions influence depressed mood from adolescence to adulthood and if parental socioeconomic status (SES) moderates these effects. Study questions Methods We used latent growth modelling analyze in a Norwegian sample (n = 1257) surveyed age 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 30 40 (1990-2017). The effects of were modelled as time-varying predictors. At 40, attaining employment beginning cohabitation covariates while parenthood was controlled for 19. Time-invariant gender SES. Results Depressed peaked 15 but decreased over time - following polynomic curve with linear (B -.38, 95% CI [-.49, -.28], p < .001) quadratic slope .05, [.013, .086], .001). Leaving the home -.166, [-.250, -.083], -.130, [-.231, -.029], .05) led decreases regardless transition. Higher SES associated lower intercept compared mid-SES -.106, [-.295, -.030], low -.202, [-.343, -.062], .05). Girls also reported higher level .274, [.165, .383], Life not moderated by Conclusions study demonstrated that leaving mood, showed no moderation. Public health initiatives should therefore pay attention when aiming lessen depressive symptoms adolescent years adulthood. Key messages