Layered vulnerabilities in young adults with major depressive disorder: personality, coping, and cognition

Personality, coping, and subjective cognition reflect layered vulnerabilities for MDD in young adults. Emotional stability emerged as the most impactful distal predictor, while perceived cognitive deficits provided a proximal, state-dependent marker, modestly enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Maladaptive coping related to symptom severity, highlighting its role as a potential intervention target. These findings illustrate how distal, semi-malleable, and proximal factors can inform early detection and targeted interventions.