Associations Between Peer Relationships and Depressive Symptoms in Rural Children: Undirected and Bayesian Network Analyses.

Abstract

Previous studies have noted links between peer relationships and depressive symptoms, but few have explored the subtle internal connections and inherent directionalities of these associations. Undirected and Bayesian network analyses were utilized to explore the interrelationships among key constructs in this study, which focused on 802 Chinese rural children (M_age= 12.16 years, SD = 0.83, 46.13% boys). Undirected network analysis revealed that Self-hatred, Sadness, and Loneliness were central nodes within the networks of peer relationships and depressive symptoms. Mutual support, Friendship skills, and Popularity emerged as key nodes linking peer relationships with the network of depressive symptoms. Bayesian network analysis demonstrated that Sadness and Popularity act as triggering nodes within the network, which are ultimately leading to depressive symptoms such as Pessimism, School difficulty, Indecisiveness, and Feeling unloved. These findings provide supports for the development of targeted interventions to reduce depressive symptoms in rural children, with a focus on different aspects of peer relationship.