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Risk or refuge? The dual role of affinity for solitude and deviant peer affiliation in the link between childhood maltreatment and youth depression: a mixed-methods study

Author

Listed:
  • Xie, Zhaoyang
  • Zhang, Zheng
  • Li, Xuting
  • Thabrew, Hiran
  • Bi, Kaiwen
  • Tang, Sijian
  • Zhou, Jiansong

Abstract

The heterogeneity of child maltreatment is linked to depressive symptoms in adolescents. However, the underlying mechanisms concerning interpersonal relationships remain insufficiently explored. This study uses a mixed-methods approach to examine how interpersonal interaction patterns mediate the relationship between maltreatment and depression while exploring coping strategies in adversity through qualitative insights. A total of 2042 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 13.69 years, SD = 1.55; 53.18 % male) participated in this study in October 2023. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify profiles of childhood maltreatment. Mediation analysis examined the roles of affinity for solitude and Deviant Peer Association in linking maltreatment profiles to adolescent depressive symptoms. Thematic analysis further explored key factors that help adolescents with a history of childhood maltreatment navigate challenges. Latent class analysis identified four patterns of childhood maltreatment among Chinese adolescents: Low Maltreatment Exposure (LME; 70.57 %), High Emotional Neglect and Physical Abuse with Moderate Physical Neglect (HENPA-PN; 13.52 %), High Maltreatment Exposure (HME; 6.51 %), and High Emotional Neglect and Physical Abuse with Moderate Emotional Abuse (HENPA-EA; 9.40 %). Mediation analysis revealed that, compared to the LME group, all other groups positively influenced depressive symptoms through affinity for solitude and deviant peer association. Finally, thematic analysis identified five key themes: personal positive personality, coping lifestyle strategies, emotional support and companionship, guidance from others and the power of role modeling. It is crucial to comprehend the heterogeneity of childhood maltreatment, patterns of interpersonal relationships, and potential support networks to enhance adolescent mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Xie, Zhaoyang & Zhang, Zheng & Li, Xuting & Thabrew, Hiran & Bi, Kaiwen & Tang, Sijian & Zhou, Jiansong, 2025. "Risk or refuge? The dual role of affinity for solitude and deviant peer affiliation in the link between childhood maltreatment and youth depression: a mixed-methods study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:178:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925004013
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108518
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mary A. Malina & Hanne S.O. Nørreklit & Frank H. Selto, 2011. "Lessons learned: advantages and disadvantages of mixed method research," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 8(1), pages 59-71, April.
    2. Mary A. Malina & Hanne S.O. Nørreklit & Frank H. Selto, 2011. "Lessons learned: advantages and disadvantages of mixed method research," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 8(1), pages 59-71, April.
    3. Carter, Vernon & Myers, Miranda R., 2007. "Exploring the risks of substantiated physical neglect related to poverty and parental characteristics: A national sample," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(1), pages 110-121, January.
    4. Chen, Chia-Yi & Lien, Yin-Ju, 2018. "Trajectories of co-occurrence of depressive symptoms and deviant behaviors: The influences of perceived social support and personal characteristics," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 174-182.
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