Emotional Vulnerability in Adolescents (EVA) Study: Identifying Potential Biopsychosocial Markers for Adolescent Depressive Symptoms and Well-Being

Abstract

Adolescent depression is a highly recurrent and disabling mental health condition affecting a significant proportion of adolescents. Conversely, adolescent well-being is a positive state of health and enhanced quality of life. Depression and well-being are critical metrics of life quality. However, little is known about the biopsychosocial markers that differentiate between these states. Stemming from our extensive longitudinal emotional vulnerability in adolescents ((EVA) research, this study identified potential vulnerability markers by examining associations between a range of biopsychosocial factors and depression and well-being in a relatively homogenous sample of adolescents at baseline. N = 425 adolescents (60.5% female and 34.4% male) between 12 and 18 years (M = 15.06, SD = 1.75) were recruited from 12 state and independent schools. A comprehensive battery of standardized measures was administered to assess various biopsychosocial factors, including background demographic and clinical characteristics, lifestyle factors, neural-cognitive mechanisms, psychological and social stress-related factors, coping style, and personality traits. Multiple Regression analyzes using the backward eliminations indicated that less physical activity, more social media usage, eating disorder risk, greater perceived stress, higher neuroticism, excessive rumination and negative self-reference bias accounted for 68% of depressive symptoms. Lower stress, less social media usage, and positive cognitive interpretation bias were sufficient to account for 51% of well-being scores. The present findings suggest key bio-psycho-social risk and resilience factors that may play a role in predicting adolescent depression and well-being. Upon further examination of our longitudinal follow-up studies, these results will directly contribute to developing preventative intervention strategies.