Rethinking social support in depressive symptoms: A comprehensive analysis of support source, gender, and developmental stage.

The critical importance of social support in alleviating depressive symptoms is well-established across diverse theoretical and intervention frameworks. This study extends current understanding by examining how different sources of social support, gender, and developmental stage interact, moving beyond traditional models that often emphasize single moderating factors. Using a stratified sampling approach, data were collected from 4395 university students (mean age = 20 years), who completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, and demographic surveys. A latent variable multi-group structural equation model was employed to estimate predictive models of depression, incorporating variations in social support source, gender, and developmental stage. Results indicated that for late-adolescent and early-adult males, only significant other support predicted lower levels of depression. For late-adolescent females, both family and significant other support were inversely associated with depression, while friend support was not significantly related. In early-adult females, family and significant other support continued to be important, and friend support emerged as a protective factor. These findings highlight the complex interplay between social support sources, gender, and developmental stage in influencing depressive symptoms, underscoring the need for tailored interventions addressing the diverse mental health needs of university students.