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The Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Depressive Symptoms in Early Adolescents in China: Differences in Only Child and Non-Only Child Groups

Author

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  • Xinli Chi

    (College of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
    Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China)

  • Liuyue Huang

    (College of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
    Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China)

  • Jian Wang

    (College of Politics and Law, Anhui University of Architecture, Hefei 230000, China)

  • Peichao Zhang

    (Research Center of Modern Psychology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China)

Abstract

This study explores the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of depressive symptoms in early adolescents in China, as well as the differences between an only child and non-only child group. A total of 2059 seventh-grade Chinese students were invited to complete a questionnaire, which included questions concerning socio-demographic factors, family function, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The results revealed the following things. (1) thirty-four point seven percent of the participating Chinese early adolescents display symptoms of depression according to Radloff’s criteria. Differences are significant across the four dimensions (i.e., positive affect, negative affect, somatic symptoms and retarded activity, and interpersonal difficulties), as well as across total scores between only children and children with sibling(s). (2) Academic achievement, having sibling(s) or not, migration, and family function can significantly predict depressive symptoms. (3) Two significant interactions were found, which were between sibling(s) and gender as well as sibling(s) and family function. Girls from the non-only child group and adolescents from the only child group with poor family function were more likely to have depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that a greater focus should be placed on girls from non-only child families, academic under-performers, migrants, and adolescents from poor family environments, and especially only children, to prevent or reduce the propensity for depressive symptoms.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinli Chi & Liuyue Huang & Jian Wang & Peichao Zhang, 2020. "The Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Depressive Symptoms in Early Adolescents in China: Differences in Only Child and Non-Only Child Groups," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:2:p:438-:d:306696
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mi Zhou & Guangsheng Zhang & Scott Rozelle & Kaleigh Kenny & Hao Xue, 2018. "Depressive Symptoms of Chinese Children: Prevalence and Correlated Factors among Subgroups," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-10, February.
    2. Matthijs Kalmijn & Herman G van de Werfhorst, 2016. "Sibship Size and Gendered Resource Dilution in Different Societal Contexts," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(8), pages 1-16, August.
    3. Judith Blake, 1981. "Family size and the quality of children," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 18(4), pages 421-442, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Shuo Cheng & Cunxian Jia & Yongjie Wang, 2020. "Only Children Were Associated with Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms among College Students in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-14, June.
    2. Xiaocen Jia & Yiqing Huang & Wenli Yu & Wai-Kit Ming & Fei Qi & Yibo Wu, 2022. "A Moderated Mediation Model of the Relationship between Family Dynamics and Sleep Quality in College Students: The Role of Big Five Personality and Only-Child Status," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-14, March.
    3. Diya Dou & Daniel T. L. Shek & Xiaoqin Zhu & Li Zhao, 2021. "Dimensionality of the Chinese CES-D: Is It Stable across Gender, Time, and Samples?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-11, November.
    4. Ke Tien Yen & Shen Cherng, 2020. "Secondary Prevention of Depressive Prodrome in Adolescents: Before and after Attending a Jogging Program on Campus," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-16, October.

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