Purpose in life in late adolescence and incident depression over 10 years.

ABSTRACT: Purpose in life is a psychological resource that is associated with better mental health in adulthood. The present study tests whether purpose in life in late adolescence is protective against developing depression over up to 10 years of follow-up. Participants were from the Transition to Adulthood Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Participants were selected for analysis if they reported on their purpose in life in late adolescence (17-19 years old), did not have depression at this assessment, and participated in at least one follow-up wave (N = 2821). Purpose in life was associated with a reduced risk of incident depression over the follow-up (up to age 28), controlling for sociodemographic factors (HR = .74, 95 % CI = .68, .81, p < .001). Sensitivity analyses indicated th

SUBMITTER: Sutin AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12626404 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature