A longitudinal exploration of self‐perception, mental images of the self, and depression in young people

Abstract Background Cognitive theories suggest that negative self‐perception is central to the development and maintenance of depression. One way self‐perception is represented is through mental imagery of the self. Despite its theoretical importance, the role of mental images of the self in depression has not been systematically examined. This study investigated cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between self‐perception, mental images of the self, and depressive symptoms in young people. Methods A total of 796 young people (aged 12–24) recruited from school and university populations completed surveys at two timepoints, 1 month apart. Measures included the Harter Self‐perception Profile Global Self‐Worth subscale, the Mental Imagery Questionnaire for Youths and the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale‐Short Version. Results Self‐perception was negatively associated with depressive symptoms both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally ( = −2.57, 95% CI [−2.87, −2.27]; = −0.83, 95% CI [−1.22, −0.45]). Positive and negative mental images of the self were associated with depressive symptoms ( t = −5.61; t = 10.73). Frequency of positive and negative images of the self were associated with self‐perception ( = −0.57, 95% CI [−0.76, −0.39]; = 0.38 95% CI [0.18, 0.58]) and depression ( = 0.12, 95% CI [0.09, 0.16]; = −0.10, 95% CI [−0.14, −0.06]), cross‐sectionally. Positive imagery vividness was linked to self‐perception in the full sample ( = 0.09, 95% CI [0.01, 0.16]) and school subgroup ( = 0.14, 95% CI [0.03, 0.24], but not in the university subgroup. Longitudinally, both frequency and vividness of positive imagery were associated with self‐perception in the university subgroup only ( = 0.05, 95% CI [0.01, 0.10]; = 0.09, 95% CI [0.01, 0.16]). Conclusion Young people's self‐perceptions, whether expressed through evaluative thoughts or mental images, play a critical role in depressive symptoms. Findings support cognitive models of depression and highlight self‐perception as a promising intervention target. The study also underscores limitations of current mental imagery measures and the need for more robust tools to clarify these relationships.