The chain mediating role of stress and resilience in the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and depressive symptoms among Chinese college students

Background

College is a high-risk period for depressive symptoms. Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a major predictor of depressive symptoms during college years, but the specific mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the relationship using a chain mediation model.

Methods

A sample of 1261 eligible students (mean age of 20.20 ± 1.37 years) residing in Liaoning Province, located in the northeastern part of China, were selected through a convenient sampling method for the purpose of carrying out a comprehensive survey. The self-report questionnaires used in the study encompassed a range of parameters, including the general information questionnaire, anxiety sensitivity index-3 (ASI-3), resilience scale-14 (RS-14), depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21). Pearson correlation analysis, structural equation model testing, and Bootstrap deviation correction percentile analysis were employed to analyze the survey data using the R 4.3.2 statistical software.

Results

The total AS score and its three lower-order dimensions were positively correlated with stress and depressive symptoms. Resilience was negatively correlated with AS, stress and depressive symptoms. In addition to the direct influence of AS on depressive symptoms, stress and resilience play a partial mediating role in the relationship between AS physical and cognitive concerns and depressive symptoms, the total indirect effects accounted for 91.5 % and 92.1 %, respectively, and fully mediate the relationship between AS social concerns and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

The study's outcomes indicate that practical actions can be taken to decrease AS and stress, thereby enhancing resilience and reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents.