The relationship between content and types of personal values and depression in Chinese adolescents

Abstract

The relationship between personal values and depression in Chinese adolescents remains unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between the content and types of personal values and depression in Chinese adolescents by combining variable-centered and person-centered research perspectives, while also examining gender differences. A total of 3517 adolescents (Male: 2017, M_age = 15.09) completed the Chinese version of the Revised Portrait Value Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The results from the variable-centered approach revealed that: (1) Openness to Change and Self-Transcendence values in Chinese adolescents were not related to depression, Self-Enhancement values were positively related to depression, and Conservation values were negatively related to depression. (2) The results for boys were similar to those for the overall sample; for girls, Openness to Change and Conservation values were negatively related to depression, while Self-Enhancement and Self-Transcendence values were positively related to depression. The results from the person-centered approach showed that the personal value types of Chinese adolescents could be divided into four categories: Self-focus, Other-focus, Anxiety-free, and Undifferentiated. Among these, adolescents with Self-focus types had the highest levels of depression, while those with Other-focus types had the lowest levels of depression. The findings provide empirical evidence and strategies for cultivating personal values in Chinese adolescents and improving depression states.