Latent profiles of perceived social support among adolescents and their relationship with depressive symptoms

Abstract

Objective: The mental health of rural adolescents is a critical public health issue, with perceived social support acting as a key buffer against depression. However, the specific patterns of this support and their differential effects remain underexplored. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of perceived social support among adolescents using latent profile analysis, examine the distribution characteristics of depressive symptoms across different profiles, and explore demographic factors influencing these profiles, providing empirical evidence for mental health interventions targeting adolescents. Methods: A stratified random cluster sampling method was used to survey 1,017 rural adolescents aged 12–18 years in the Wuling Mountain area. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale assessed depressive symptoms, and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale measured perceived social support. Latent Profile Analysis was conducted using Mplus 8.3 to identify latent profiles of perceived social support. Chi-square tests analyzed demographic differences across profiles, and multinomial logistic regression examined the association between perceived social support profiles and depressive symptoms. Results: Four latent profiles of perceived social support were identified: High perceived social support (43.7%), High Family Support (16.2%), Moderate perceived social support (30.4%), and Low perceived social support (9.7%). Gender and school stage significantly influenced profile distribution, with females more likely to belong to the High perceived social support (Odds Ratio = 21.76) and High Family Support (OR = 9.81) groups, and high school students more likely to fall into the Low perceived social support group. Compared with the Low perceived social support group, the Moderate group was more likely to exhibit no depression (OR = 5.81) or subthreshold depression (OR = 2.65). Both the High Family Support (OR = 8.44) and High perceived social support (OR = 4.86) groups showed significant protective effects against depression. Conclusion: Perceived social support among adolescents is heterogeneous, with family support playing a particularly strong protective role against depressive symptoms. Social support interventions should especially target male and high school student populations, offering differentiated strategies based on adolescents’ profile characteristics. Strengthening family support systems is critical for improving the mental health of rural adolescents.