The associations of interpersonal sensitivity with mental distress and trait aggression in early adulthood: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND

To explore the longitudinal associations of interpersonal sensitivity (IS) with mental distress and trait aggression among participants passing through adolescence into adulthood.

METHODS

A total of 306 participants were recruited at baseline and received a 24-month follow-up. Questionnaires investigating sociodemographics; IS; depression, anxiety, and stress; and trait aggression were used. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression and cross-lagged analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

At base, 22.5%, 18.3%, 24.2%, and 9.2% of the participants reported higher levels of IS, depressive, anxious, and stressful symptoms. IS at baseline was a partial risk factor for new problems, including anxiety, stress, and anger at follow-up. Newly developed or persistent IS was significantly associated with ongoing symptoms. Discontinued IS, however, only resolved the association with stress and anxiety symptoms. Similarly, newly developed or persistent IS was significantly associated with increased persistence of some problems (anxiety symptoms and physical aggression), while the discontinuation of IS was associated with a lessening of these outcomes. Cross-lagged analyses revealed bidirectional associations of IS with anxiety symptom and stress symptom.

LIMITATIONS

All subjects were recruited from one medical college, which could limit applicability. This study had a relatively small sample size. Self-reported questionnaires can lead to recall bias. Further research is needed to test causality.

CONCLUSIONS

IS can predict adolescents' newly developed partial mental distress and aggression. Our findings highlight the crucial role of early recognition of both higher levels of interpersonal sensitivity and associated behavioral problems.