Longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and self-directed passive aggression: A random intercept cross-lagged panel analysis

BackgroundSelf-directed passive aggression (SD-PAB) is defined as any behaviour harming one-self by inactivity and omission of own needs. Depressive disorders are a severe mental disorder that results from the interaction between stress exposure, coping strategies, and vulnerability. Previous cross-sectional studies found SD-PAB to be associated with depressive symptoms and to represent a mediator of the relationship between cognitive risk factors and depressive symptoms. Therefore, SD-PAB may be a potential target of prevention or treatment in the context of depressive disorders. However, prospective studies on the relationship between depressive symptoms and SD-PAB are lacking. The current study aimed at closing this gap by examining the associations of subjective stress, SD-PAB, and depressive symptoms cross-sectionally and over time. MethodIn two assessment cohorts students participated three times [M1: start of the semester (n = 352); M2: start of the exam period (n = 293); M3 = end of the exam period (n = 276)] in an online survey (depressive symptoms; self-perceived stress; SD-PAB). Cross-sectional data was analysed using regression models. Longitudinal data was analysed using Random Intercept Cross-lagged Panel Models. ResultsAcross all time points, SD-PAB demonstrated a unique cross-sectional association with depressive symptoms when controlled for self-perceived stress ({beta} = .27 - .33; all ps < .001). Furthermore, at M2 [{beta} = .14, t(289) = 3.71, p < .001] and M3 [{beta} = .15, t(272) = 3.51, p < .001] the relationship between depressive symptoms and self-perceived stress was stronger for individuals reporting higher levels of SD-PAB. Depressive symptoms at M1 are a marginal significant predictor of SD-PAB at M2 ({beta} = .31; p = .067) and depressive symptoms at M2 are a marginal significant predictor for SD-PAB at M3 ({beta} = .17; p = .074). However, there was no evidence for SD-PAB predicting the course of depressive symptoms. ConclusionSD-PAB may represent a symptom of depressive disorders and a moderator of unsuccessful stress coping but does not predict the course of depressive symptoms over time.