Network Analysis of Basic Psychological Need Frustration and Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study.

Abstract

Studies have shown a reciprocal relationship between basic psychological need frustration and depressive symptoms in adolescents. However, the underlying pattern of this relationship remains unclear. This longitudinal study employed network analysis to examine the central nodes, bridge nodes, and dynamic changes in the network structure of psychological need frustration and depressive symptoms among 1,381 Chinese adolescents (51.85% girls; M_age = 15.17, SD = 0.49, range: 13-16). The results revealed that competence frustration, mood, fatigue, and worthlessness were central nodes, exhibiting strong connections with other nodes in the network. Furthermore, competence frustration and worthlessness functioned as bridge nodes, linking psychological need frustration with depressive symptoms. Notably, the network structure remained stable over time, with no significant changes observed. These findings highlight the critical role of competence frustration and worthlessness in the co-occurrence of psychological need frustration and depressive symptoms. Targeting these nodes in interventions may help reduce adolescent distress and improve mental health outcomes.