Trajectories of adolescents’ depressive symptoms surrounding the transition to vocational education

Abstract Although studies examined depressive symptoms across adolescence, the impact of school transitions is often neglected. This study examined trajectories of depressive symptoms surrounding the transition to vocational education. Additionally, it examined gender differences and co‐occurring trajectories of parental emotional support and adolescents’ self‐esteem. The sample comprised 840 adolescents and their parents (53% boys, 92% German, age at_T1 = 16–19, average participation rate = 3.44). Adolescents reported trait items for depressive symptoms from the State‐Trait‐Depression Scale. Heterogeneous linear mixed models revealed four trajectories, with the majority exhibiting relatively stable low levels of depressive symptoms in two distinct trajectories. However, 10% experienced temporary increases, while another 10% experienced temporary decreases following the transition. Initial high levels of parental emotional support seemed to co‐occur with temporary decreases in depressive symptoms, whereas self‐esteem co‐occurred with low levels of depressive symptoms. Although school transitions may provide new opportunities and may induce stress, the transition to vocational education had little to no relation to self‐reported trait items of depressive symptoms in the present study. For those affected, self‐esteem and social support seem vital resources.