The Effect of Family Functioning on Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model

Background: Family dysfunction and insecure attachment are established risk factors for adolescent depressive symptoms, yet individual differences in sensory processing may influence vulnerability to these environmental stressors. Objective: To explore the mediating role of insecure attachment and the moderating effect of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) in the relationship between family functioning and adolescent depressive symptoms. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design, with 503 adolescents recruited via convenience sampling in October 2023. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing family functioning, insecure attachment, SPS, and depressive symptoms. SPSS 26.0 was used to conduct moderated mediation analyses to examine the complex interactions among these variables. Results: The results showed that family functioning was directly associated with adolescent depressive symptoms and also was indirectly associated with depressive symptoms through insecure attachment. Additionally, SPS was found to statistically moderate both the direct and indirect pathways. Specifically, the negative association between poor family functioning and depressive symptoms and the statistical mediating pathway through insecure attachment were more pronounced in adolescents with higher SPS. Conclusion: Impaired family functioning and insecure attachment were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms in adolescents. SPS appeared to strengthen these associations, highlighting the importance of considering individual differences in sensory sensitivity when addressing adolescent mental health. Tailoring interventions to strengthen family support and attachment security, especially for adolescents with heightened SPS, may help mitigate the risk of depressive symptoms. This study emphasizes the need for family-centered interventions to foster resilience against adolescent depressive symptoms.