The dynamic impact of social problem perception patterns on Chinese adults’ depressive symptoms: a national representative longitudinal study

There is a lack of research exploring the possible patterns of social problem perception across major public concerned issues and their mental health impacts. We aimed to identify the latent patterns of social problem perception and examine the dynamic associations between the patterns and depressive symptoms. Two waves of data (2018 and 2020) from the China Family Panel Studies were used in this study, including 15 414 Chinese adults. Latent profile and latent transition analysis were employed to identify social problem perception patterns and their changes over time. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to examine concerned relationships. Three latent profiles were identified for social problem perceptions in both 2018 and 2020 waves (high, middle and low). The low profile presented a tendency for stability rather than change, meanwhile the middle and high profiles had a high probability of remaining stable after two years. Higher and upward transition of social problem perception pattern were associated with short-term and long-term depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that social problem perception patterns dynamically impact mental health. Tailored strategies should be introduced to mitigate people's perception severity of socially concerned problems.