Patterns of Depression and Resilience in Children and Adolescents Exposed to an Earthquake: A Latent Profile Analysis

Abstract

Objective Depression and resilience are different psychological outcomes caused by experiencing traumatic events. We aimed to 1) explore heterogeneity patterns of co-occurrence between depression symptoms and resilience among children and adolescents exposed to an earthquake and 2) assess covariates (trauma exposure, sex, age, ethnicity, and sleep quality) in identifying the best fitting solution. Methods Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to examine patterns of self-reported depression and resilience in an epidemiological sample of 2,887 Chinese youth survivors 1 year after the Lushan earthquake. Results A suitable 3-class model were identified, which are mild depression/high resilience (65.0%), severe depression/high resilience (22.1%), and severe depression/low resilience (12.9%). Trauma exposure, demographic characteristics and sleep state can be used to identify the different latent classes. Conclusion Our results contribute to understanding the heterogeneous coexisting patterns of depression and resilience and provide suggestions for identifying high-risk youth survivors and offering effective interventions.

Mental Health Disturbance after a Major Earthquake in Northern Peru: A Preliminary, Cross-Sectional Study

“…Nonetheless, facing the seismic event with a resilient attitude seems to prevent the development of depressive symptoms. This has been demonstrated by a Japanese study on 241 survivors of the 2011 Fukushima earthquake [ 19 ] and the previously mentioned study on the Lushan population [ 15 ].…”

“…These environments provide good community resources that can monitor mental symptoms and offer safe psychosocial and supportive interventions after a disaster [ 42 ]. In addition, students can get support from family and society, both of which are resources for better mental health [ 15 ].…”

“…Furthermore, previous episodes of mental disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and insomnia, may increase the prevalence of depression. This is evidenced by Chinese studies conducted on adult and adolescent survivors of the 2017 Sichuan [ 14 ], 2013 Lushan [ 15 ], and 2008 Wenchuan [ 16 , 17 ] earthquakes. Moreover, having a family member injured in an earthquake can increase the risk of depression, but the evidence is not consistent.…”