Effects of Family Environment on Depressive Symptoms in Postgraduate Students: Longitudinal Moderating Effect of Family Support and Mediating Effect of Psychological Resilience

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the mechanism of the relationship between family environment and depressive symptoms in Chinese master’s and PhD students. The objective of this study was to investigate the moderating effect of family support and the mediating effect of psychological resilience on depressive symptoms in a family environment. The differences between master’s and PhD students are also discussed in this study.

Methods: Data for 615 master’s and 78 PhD students were collected using the Family Environment Scale, Depression Self-Rating Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Psychological Resilience Scale in October every year for 3 years from 2021 to 2023. A latent growth curve mediation model was used to examine the potential mediating role of psychological resilience in the relationship between family environment and depressive symptoms over time.

Results: (1) There was a significant positive correlation among family environment, family support, and psychological resilience and a significant negative correlation between these factors and depressive symptoms. (2) Family support moderated the relationship between family environment and depressive symptoms among both master’s and PhD students. (3) Mediation analysis showed that psychological resilience mediated the relationship between family environment and depressive symptoms among master’s students.

Conclusion: Family environment is a significant risk factor for depressive symptoms. This association appears to be moderated by family support and mediated by psychological resilience. It is necessary to design depressive symptom prevention programs that consider the family environment of master’s and PhD students. Therefore, mental health services for this population should consider both family support and psychological resilience.