The moderating role of optimism between social trauma and depression among Chinese college students: a cross-sectional study – BMC Psychology

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Emerging Adulthood

The concept of emerging adulthood, proposed by Arnett (2000), refers to the distinct period between adolescence and young adulthood, typically occurring between the ages of 18 and 25. During this stage, individuals experience relative independence from social roles and normative expectations, allowing them to explore various life directions in love, work, and worldviews. However, emerging adulthood can also be emotionally complex, as individuals navigate career development, adult relationships, and high levels of stress related to family, financial, and career obligations. It is crucial to support emerging adults in expressing positive emotions and effectively managing negative affect to enhance their ability to cope with life’s pressures and challenges.

SDGs and Mental Health in College Students

The university stage often coincides with emerging adulthood, making college students particularly vulnerable to various pressures and challenges. These include interpersonal relationships, competitive pressure, academic burden, and future planning, which contribute to a high incidence of depression. Depression negatively impacts mental health and can lead to cognitive, behavioral, and social impairments. If left untreated, depression can escalate into clinical depression and increase the risk of self-injury and suicide. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the prevention and treatment of depression among college students through effective mental health education.

Social Trauma and Depression

According to the social ecosystem theory, individual psychological and behavioral development is influenced by continuous interactions between the social environment and internal systems. Social trauma refers to a series of emotionally distressing events that individuals perceive as stressful or overwhelming during social interactions. These events can include poor interpersonal relationships, bullying, neglect, and threats. Social trauma has been found to be significantly correlated with various mental health-related issues such as sense of control, insecurity, happiness, anxiety, and depression symptoms. The accumulation of social adversities can lead to the development of inappropriate behaviors and mental health problems.

The Moderating Effect of Optimism

Optimism, as a positive personal trait, involves anticipating the best possible outcome and maintaining a positive outlook. Previous research has shown that optimism can serve as a protective factor against negative stimuli and contribute to better mental health outcomes. Optimism has been found to moderate the relationship between various factors and mental health outcomes, such as depression, rumination, suicidal ideation, and upward social comparison. It is hypothesized that optimism can significantly moderate the relationship between social trauma and depression among college students, mitigating the negative impact of social trauma on mental health.

The Current Study

The current study aims to investigate the relationship between social trauma, optimism, and depression among college students. Specifically, it seeks to explore the effect of social adversity on depression and the moderating role of optimism in this relationship. By examining these factors, the study aims to shed light on the risk and protective factors associated with depression among college students and ultimately promote their healthy growth and development.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease
• Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate
• Indicator 3.4.3: Percentage of the population with depressive symptoms
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
• Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university
• Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
• Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age and persons with disabilities
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

– SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

– SDG 4: Quality Education

– SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

– SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under the identified SDGs are:

– Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being

– Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university

– Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value

– Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

– Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease

– Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate

– Indicator 3.4.3: Percentage of the population with depressive symptoms

– Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months

– Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age and persons with disabilities

– Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators