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Individual, Peer, and Family Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among College Students in Hong Kong

Author

Listed:
  • Nelson W. Y. Tam

    (Department of Social and Behavioral Science, The City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 518057, China)

  • Sylvia Y. C. L. Kwok

    (Department of Social and Behavioral Science, The City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 518057, China)

  • Minmin Gu

    (Research Institute of Social Development, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu 610074, China)

Abstract

In this study, an ecological model and developmental psychopathology theory focusing on an ontogenic system (hopelessness) and microsystems (peer alienation and childhood abuse and trauma) was adopted to examine the individual, peer, and family correlates of depressive symptoms among college Chinese students in Hong Kong, China. A cross-sectional survey research design with a convenience sampling procedure was used to examine a sample of college students ( n = 786) aged 18 to 21 years old in Hong Kong. Among them, 352 respondents (44.8%) reported having depressive symptoms, with a Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) score of 14 or above. The results of this study indicated that childhood abuse and trauma, peer alienation, and hopelessness were positively related to depressive symptoms. The underlying arguments and implications were discussed. The study results provided further support for the ecological model and the developmental psychopathology theory on the predictive roles of individual, peer, and family correlates of adolescent depression.

Suggested Citation

  • Nelson W. Y. Tam & Sylvia Y. C. L. Kwok & Minmin Gu, 2023. "Individual, Peer, and Family Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among College Students in Hong Kong," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:4304-:d:1083147
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Catalina Ng & Jane Hurry, 2011. "Depression Amongst Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong: An Evaluation of a Stress Moderation Model," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 100(3), pages 499-516, February.
    2. Robson, Karen, 2003. "Peer alienation: predictors in childhood and outcomes in adulthood," ISER Working Paper Series 2003-21, Institute for Social and Economic Research.
    3. Sylvia Y. C. L. Kwok & Minmin Gu, 2017. "The Role of Emotional Competence in the Association Between Optimism and Depression Among Chinese Adolescents," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 10(1), pages 171-185, March.
    4. Sze Mon Lo & Ho Cheong Wong & Ching Yee Lam & Daniel T. L. Shek, 2020. "Common Mental Health Challenges in a University Context in Hong Kong: a Study Based on a Review of Medical Records," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(1), pages 207-218, March.
    5. Kwok, Sylvia Y.C.L. & Gu, Minmin & Synchaisuksawat, Pasyn & Wong, Wikki W.K., 2020. "The relationship between parent-child triangulation and early adolescent depression in Hong Kong: The mediating roles of self-acceptance, positive relations and personal growth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
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