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Reciprocal developmental pathways between future-related thinking and symptoms of adolescent depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.

Authors :
Tang P
Kostyrka-Allchorne K
Butura AM
Phillips-Owen J
Sonuga-Barke E
Source :
Clinical psychology review [Clin Psychol Rev] 2024 Aug; Vol. 112, pp. 102465. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jul 08.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Adolescence is a time when important decisions about the future are made and vulnerability to mental health problems increases. We reviewed longitudinal studies examining the reciprocal pathways between future-related thinking (hopelessness, hope, optimism/positive future expectations) and adolescent depression and anxiety symptoms. Evidence from 22 studies (N = 10,682) found that negative future-related thinking predicted subsequent depression (r = 0.27, p < .001), an effect still significant after controlling for baseline depression (r = 0.23, p < .001). Higher hopelessness (r = 0.34, p < .001), lower hope (r = 0.16, p < .001), and reduced optimism/positive future expectations (r = 0.18, p < .001) were associated with subsequently increased depressive symptoms. Negative future-related thinking also predicted later increased anxiety symptoms (r = 0.15, p = .021). Concerning the reciprocal pathway, depressive symptoms were associated with later negative future-related thinking (r = 0.32, p < .001), which remained after baseline levels of future-related thinking were controlled (r = 0.07, p = .02). There were insufficient studies to infer reciprocal links between anxiety and future-related thinking. Our analyses provided evidence of a reciprocal developmental relationship between depressive symptoms and future-related thinking, implying a negative cycle. Identifying precursors of this cycle could provide the basis for depression prevention in adolescents and promote better decision-making about the future.<br />Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors report no financial, non-financial interests or potential conflicts of interest.<br /> (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1873-7811
Volume :
112
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Clinical psychology review
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
39002184
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102465