Exploring the Pathways From Economic Pressure to Depression Among Chinese Adolescents

ABSTRACT The current study aimed to examine the direct and indirect linkages between economic pressure and adolescent depression. A total of 971 adolescents completed the questionnaires regarding economic pressure, loneliness, school connectedness, and depression. Path analysis was conducted to examine the hypothesized model. Findings revealed that economic pressure significantly predicts adolescents' loneliness, which exacerbates their depressive symptoms. School connectedness moderated the direct and indirect associations between economic pressure and adolescents' depression. The results suggested that future preventive and intervention programs should consider psychological‐based techniques and prevent adolescents from being influenced by economic pressure.