| Evidence suggests the increased prevalence of depression in adolescence continues into emerging adulthood, particularly throughout postsecondary study. Guided by a developmental systems framework, this longitudinal study explored changes in depressive symptoms among university students and the influence of gender, optimism, self-esteem, parental reciprocity, social support, stress, and preceding mood on current well-being. Mean depressive symptoms increased among students during the transition to university and remained elevated until the end of fourth year. Stress was the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms in all years. More depressive symptoms and lower social support at baseline predicted lower mood; however, decreases in depressive symptoms and increases in social support across each year enhanced future resilience to depression. Females and students with higher self-esteem and more parental reciprocity appeared less depressed; optimism did not contribute to depression. Preventative efforts should focus on managing stress and developing supportive relationships to enhance students' readiness for university. |
