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Interpersonal Conflict, School Connectedness and Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Adolescents: Moderation Effect of Gender and Grade Level

Author

Listed:
  • Guan-Hao He

    (Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China)

  • Esben Strodl

    (School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia)

  • Wei-Qing Chen

    (Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
    Department of Information Management, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510520, China)

  • Fan Liu

    (School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia)

  • Alimila Hayixibayi

    (Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
    School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia)

  • Xiang-Yu Hou

    (School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia)

Abstract

This study examined the associations of interpersonal conflict and school connectedness with depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 6576 adolescents in Shenzhen, China. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires that assessed adolescents’ depressive symptoms, conflict with parents, teachers, and peers, school connectedness, and demographics. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the association of interpersonal conflict and school connectedness with depressive symptoms in adolescents. Results showed that conflicts with their mother, father, teachers, and peers were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms in adolescents, while greater school connectedness was related to lower levels of depressive symptoms in adolescents. Gender proved to be a moderator of these relationships in that the associations of quarreling with mothers, mothers’ use of emotional punishments, teachers’ use of emotional punishments, and school connectedness with depressive symptoms were stronger in females than males. Moreover, grade level proved to be another moderator, with the associations of teachers’ use of physical punishment and fighting with peers with depressive symptoms being stronger in primary school students than in secondary school students. Our findings suggest that gender and grade level moderated the association of interpersonal conflict and school connectedness with depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents.

Suggested Citation

  • Guan-Hao He & Esben Strodl & Wei-Qing Chen & Fan Liu & Alimila Hayixibayi & Xiang-Yu Hou, 2019. "Interpersonal Conflict, School Connectedness and Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Adolescents: Moderation Effect of Gender and Grade Level," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:12:p:2182-:d:241430
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    Cited by:

    1. Peng, Xiaofan & Tang, Tiangui & Wu, Miao & Tan, Lei & Pan, Yangu, 2024. "Network analysis of risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation in adolescents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    2. Zhiyou Wang & Ji-Kang Chen, 2022. "Influence of Parent–Child Conflict on Psychological Distress among Chinese Adolescents: Moderating Effects of School Connectedness and Neighborhood Disorder," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-12, July.

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