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Early language ability and depressive symptoms in preadolescence: Sex-specific mediating effects of self-concept domains
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DOI：10.1017/S0954579426101308.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Poorer language ability is a known risk factor for elevated depressive symptoms. However; the cognitive mechanisms underlying this association remain underexplored. Utilizing data from a comprehensive pre-birth cohort in Singapore (N = 473; 49.9% boys; 57.3% Chinese; 27.9% Malay; 14.8% Indian); the present study examined whether (i) self-concept domains mediate the association between early language ability and depressive symptoms during preadolescence; and (ii) these indirect pathways differ by child sex. Children’s early language ability was assessed at ages 2 and 4 using standardized assessments of vocabulary and phonological processing. Self-concept and depressive symptoms were measured at ages 8.5 and 10; respectively. Results indicated that the domain of behavioral adjustment mediated the relationship between early language ability and subsequent depressive symptoms for girls (β = −0.07; 95% CI [−0.15; −0.01]); whereas happiness and satisfaction served as a key mediator for boys (β = −0.12; 95% CI [−0.24; −0.03]). After accounting for these mediators; there was no direct association between early language ability and depressive symptoms. These findings highlight potential sex-specific mechanisms through which early language ability is prospectively associated with depressive symptoms. Future research is necessary to determine whether enhancing self-concept can mitigate depressive symptoms in children with early language difficulties.
Keywords:
depressive symptoms
language ability
longitudinal research
mediation
self-concept
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