Heterogeneous Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms in Late Middle Age: Critical Period, Accumulation, and Social Mobility Life Course Perspectives.

Abstract

This study investigated patterns of depressive symptoms and whether socioeconomic status (SES) across the life course affects these trajectories using the critical period, accumulation, and social mobility models. This study uses data from 8,532 adults, age 51 to 64, collected over 12 years from the Health and Retirement Study (observations = 25,887). A latent class analysis was performed to examine distinct depressive symptom trajectories; life course models were studied with multinomial logistic regression. Four heterogeneous latent classes were identified for depression: Declining, Low, Increasing, and High and Increasing. The High and Increasing group was associated with a disadvantaged childhood SES, accumulated exposure to socioeconomic risks, and persistent SES disadvantage supporting the three life course models. There was evidence of distinct profiles of depressive symptoms in late middle age and of interrelated life course mechanisms underlying the influences of childhood SES on later life depression.