Temporal precedence of resilience: evidence of a protective cross-lagged effect on depressivity and anxiousness among young people with chronic disabling health conditions in Hong Kong

This two-wave longitudinal study examined whether resilience predicted later mental health difficulties among 227 Hong Kong youth aged 15–29 with chronic disabling health conditions. Using latent cross-lagged panel models, we tested reciprocal associations between resilience, depressivity, and anxiousness over time. Findings showed a clear unidirectional pattern: higher resilience at Wave 1 predicted lower depressivity and anxiousness at Wave 2, while earlier depressivity and anxiousness did not significantly predict later resilience. This supports resilience as a protective factor rather than something eroded by prior distress. Chinese participants reported lower depressivity than non-Chinese participants, while younger age and higher educational attainment were associated with greater anxiousness. Overall, the study provides culturally grounded longitudinal evidence that baseline resilience can reduce later mental health difficulties among disadvantaged youth. The findings highlight the importance of strength-based interventions that build resilience and support mental health during the transition into adulthood.