The relationship between deviant peer affiliation and psychological distress among college students: a moderated mediation model.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the mechanisms linking deviant peer affiliation to psychological distress among college students. METHODS: A sample of 900 college students completed measures of deviant peer affiliation, stressful life events, perceived social support, and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress). RESULTS: (1) deviant peer affiliation significantly predicted higher levels of psychological distress, (2) this association was partially mediated by stressful life events, and (3) perceived social support moderated the relationship between stressful life events and psychological distress. Specifically, the positive association between stressful life events and psychological distress was stronger among students with lower perceived social support. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest an indirect association involving stressful life events and a buffering pattern involving perceived social support in the link between deviant peer affiliation and psychological distress among college students, providing preliminary implications for understanding peer-related risk and protection in college student mental health.