Longitudinal associations between depression symptoms and peer experiences: Evidence of symptoms-driven pathways

Although most studies suggest that depression is a consequence of poor treatment by peers, these studies have often failed to consider alternative models. We compared the interpersonal risk model (poor peer relations leading to depression), the symptoms-driven model (depression leading to poor peer relations), and the transactional model (depression and poor peer relations sharing a bidirectional association) using a multi-informant cascade modelling approach. Data were collected annually from 703 youth and their parents beginning in grade 5 (age 10–11) and concluding in grade 12 (age 17–18). Accounting for within and across time associations, a symptoms-driven model was replicated across parent- and self-reported depression symptoms in predicting later perceived peer rejection. This relation was stronger during school transition than later years. Self-reported depression symptoms also predicted self-reported peer victimization. This study adds to a growing literature demonstrating the need to consider different models as depression symptoms can precede peer relations difficulties.