Feelings of not mattering and depressive symptoms from a temporal perspective: a comparison of the cross-lagged panel model and random-intercept cross-lagged panel model

Etherson, M. E. , Smith, M. M., Hill, A. P. and Flett, G. L. (2022) Feelings of not mattering and depressive symptoms from a temporal perspective: a comparison of the cross-lagged panel model and random-intercept cross-lagged panel model. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 40(1), pp. 60-76. (doi: 10.1177/07342829211049686)

Abstract

Are feelings of not mattering an antecedent of depressive symptoms, a consequence, or both? Most investigations focus exclusively on feelings of not mattering as an antecedent of depressive symptoms. Our current study examines a vulnerability model, a complication model, and a reciprocal relations model according to a cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) and a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM). A sample of 197 community adults completed the General Mattering Scale (GMS), the Anti-Mattering Scale (AMS), and a depression measure at three time points (i.e., baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks). GMS and AMS scores were associated robustly with depressive symptoms at each time point. Other results highlighted the need to distinguish levels of anti-mattering and mattering. CLPM analyses supported a reciprocal relations model of anti-mattering (assessed by the AMS) and depressive symptoms and a complication model linking mattering (assessed by the GMS) and depressive symptoms. The RI-CLPM analyses provided tentative support only for a complication model of anti-mattering and depressive symptoms. Our findings highlight the differences between measures of the mattering construct and the need to adopt a temporal perspective that considers key nuances and the interplay among feelings of mattering, feelings of not mattering, and depression.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Etherson, Dr Marianne
• Authors: Etherson, M. E., Smith, M. M., Hill, A. P., and Flett, G. L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 0734-2829
• ISSN (Online): 1557-5144
• Published Online: 09 October 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 SAGE Publications
• First Published: First published in Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment 40(1):60-76
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher