Stress, support, and depression: A longitudinal causal model

Abstract

This study assesses causal relationships among stress, social support, and depression using data collected at four points in time over one year from a community sample of 740 Los Angeles County adults. A series of latent variable causal models are tested to assess effects over time spans of 4, 8, and 12 months. Depression and support are found to be moderately and highly stable, respectively, over one year, while stress is only slightly stable. Recent stress is found to increase levels of depression from previous levels. Social support is shown to have direct negative effects on current depression and indirect effects on subsequent depression. Reciprocal causal relationships are also explored.