Network connectivity between depressive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, and psychological capital in Chinese college students
摘要
Depressive symptoms and interpersonal sensitivity are common in college students. Complex interactions may exist among these factors and psychological capital. This study examines their relationships and identifies their core symptoms. Between November 26 and December 6, 2022, a cross-sectional, multi-center survey was conducted with 3156 college students from six universities in China. The survey used the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Symptom Checklist-90, and the Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire-26. Network analysis was performed using RStudio (Version 4.2.3). Centrality and bridge centrality indices measured both core and bridging symptoms. Network stability was evaluated using a case-dropping procedure. This study collected 2580 valid questionnaires, accounting for 81.75% of the total. Network analyses revealed that depressive symptoms and interpersonal sensitivity were positively related, while psychological capital was negatively related to both. Fatigue, self-consciousness, and self-efficacy showed the highest centrality values, whereas inferiority, worthlessness, and resilience had the highest bridge centrality values. Fatigue, self-consciousness, and self-efficacy are the main symptoms, and taking appropriate steps to address these symptoms helps lessen depressive symptoms and interpersonal sensitivity. Inferiority, worthlessness, and resilience are the bridge symptoms. Tackling feelings of inferiority and worthlessness helps reduce both depressive symptoms and interpersonal sensitivity, while boosting resilience supports fighting both issues.