Childhood adversities and mid-late depressive symptoms over the life course: Evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study

Abstract

BackgroundThe cumulative effect of childhood adversities on depressive symptoms in later life is well documented. However, there is a dearth of accurate information about this effect among Chinese population. The aim of this study is to examine the cumulative effect of childhood adversities on mid-late depressive symptoms in the Chinese population. MethodsData were drawn from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). We included 17,425 respondents aged 45 and over, and retrospectively collected information of childhood adversities. The depressive symptoms were assessed using a 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). A structural equation model was employed for analysis. ResultsParental mental health problems had a direct effect on mid-late depressive symptoms (β = 0.180, P < 0.001). Lack of friends showed direct effect on mid-late depressive symptoms (β = 0.118, P < 0.001) and indirect effect through low SES and poor health status in mid-late life (β = 0.054, P < 0.001). Poor health status, child neglect and abuse, and low SES in childhood had an indirect effect on mid-late depressive symptoms (β = 0.128, β = 0.040, β = 0.098, P < 0.001). LimitationsLimitations of this study include recall bias on life course data collection, absence of adolescent data, limited construction of latent variables. ConclusionsThese findings are crucial for preventing childhood adversities and subsequently reducing the prevalence of depression. Moreover, the indirect effects of childhood adversities suggest that early intervention and resource mobilization can circumvent some of the long-term mental health consequences.