Examining concurrent and longitudinal associations between quality of interpersonal relations and depressive symptoms among young adults in India

Abstract

Background

Due to high population density, more individuals with depressive symptoms reside in Low and Middle-Income Countries, though there exists limited published literature on factors that elevate risk in this population. Focusing on India, the most populous country in the world, the present study examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between poor relations with parents and other family members (e.g., siblings, grandparents) and depressive symptoms among urban, educated, young adults. Additionally, given the salience of familial interdependence, we examined the moderating effects of inclusion of others in one's definition of self in this association.

Methods

A total of 548 young adults (M_age = 21.4 years, 67% women) completed online questionnaires at two time points separated by six months.

Results

Poor relations with fathers and other family members were associated with greater depressive symptoms cross-sectionally, above and beyond the effects of other relations. Poor quality of interpersonal relations with parents and other family members was not associated with depressive symptoms longitudinally (after six months). There were significant main effects of poor relations (with mothers, fathers, others) cross-sectionally, over and above the effects of inclusion of others in one's sense of self though we did not find any moderating or main effects of inclusion of others in one's sense of self.

Conclusion

Quality of interpersonal relations may be a correlate but not a predictor of depressive symptoms for urban, educated, young adults in India.

Limitations

The findings may not hold true for groups other than urban, educated, young adults in India.