A1 Journal article (refereed)
Temperament and symptoms of stress and depression among adolescents : The mediating role of psychological flexibility (2023)

Puolakanaho, A., Muotka, J., Lappalainen, R., Hirvonen, R., Lappalainen, P., & Kiuru, N. (2023). Temperament and symptoms of stress and depression among adolescents : The mediating role of psychological flexibility. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, 12, Article 100493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100493

JYU authors or editors

Puolakanaho, Anne
Muotka, Joona
Lappalainen, Raimo
Lappalainen, Päivi
Kiuru, Noona

Publication details

All authors or editors: Puolakanaho, Anne; Muotka, Joona, S.; Lappalainen, Raimo; Hirvonen, Riikka; Lappalainen, Päivi; Kiuru, Noona

Journal or series: Journal of Affective Disorders Reports

eISSN: 2666-9153

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 28/01/2023

Volume: 12

Article number: 100493

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100493

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85401

Abstract

Abstract
Background
Early appearing temperamental differences and the psychological flexibility skills of individuals are proposed factors influencing stress and depression among adolescents. We test the theoretical assumption that temperament may form a basis for facing the outer world, while the development of psychological flexibility being another such basis and a mediator in well-being outcomes.

Methods
Using data on 740 adolescents (Mage = 15.7 years, 57% female) assessed at the beginning and end of the final grade of basic education, structural equation modeling (SEM) with mediation analysis was conducted to examine the associations between the key temperament dimensions, changes in psychological flexibility, and changes in symptoms of stress and depression.

Results
The results indicate that both temperament and psychological flexibility had unique, direct associations with changes in symptoms of stress and depression. There were also indirect links between temperament and changes in symptoms achieved via psychological flexibility: adolescents with negative affectivity (NA) showed an increase in symptoms of stress and depression mediated by lower psychological flexibility, while adolescents with effortful control (EC) and extraversion (EX) showed a decrease in symptoms, mediated by higher psychological flexibility.

Limitations
More research with longer-term follow-up study designs is needed to explore these associations thoroughly.

Conclusions
Temperamental patterns play a significant role in the development of psychological symptoms. However, these associations are modified by psychological flexibility. Together, temperamental dimensions and psychological flexibility form cumulative patterns influencing psychological symptoms. The practical implications of the findings are discussed in this study.

Keywords: young people; temperament; stress (biological phenomena); depression (mental disorders)

Free keywords: adolescents; temperament; stress; depression; psychological flexibility

Fields of science: