The Role of Perceived Social Support in the Recovery of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Adolescents and Young Adults: A 24-Month Longitudinal Study in Three South American Cities

Abstract

Introduction Mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, present a substantial burden for adolescents and young adults in Latin America, where socio-economic challenges hinder recovery. Perceived social support (PSS) is a potential protective factor, yet its role in the recovery of common mental disorders in this population is underexplored. Methods A prospective cohort study (2021–2024) followed adolescents (15–16 years) and young adults (20–24 years) in disadvantaged neighborhoods of Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and Lima. Depression and anxiety symptoms (PHQ-8, GAD-7) and PSS (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) were assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 months. A longitudinal multivariable model using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) examined associations between PSS and recovery, adjusting for sociodemographic and psychosocial factors. Results Among 1437 participants, 70.5% completed the 24-month follow-up. Higher PSS was associated with greater recovery. Recovery for depressive and anxiety symptoms was statistically significantly higher among participants reporting medium (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 2.77; 95% CI: 1.70–4.51) and high (aOR: 5.05; 95% CI: 3.03–8.43) levels of total PSS compared with those with low PSS. Support from family and friends were both statistically significantly associated with recovery. After adjustment, the odds of recovery were elevated for people with medium (aOR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.71–3.89) and high (aOR: 3.13; 95% CI: 2.06–4.74) levels of support from friends. Interaction analyses revealed that age, resilience and employment modified these associations; with stronger effects in younger participants (15–16 vs. 20–24 years), those employed, and those with high levels of resilience (≥28). Conclusion Social support, especially from family and friends, enhances recovery from depression and anxiety, with resilience, employment and age modulating these effects. Strengthening support networks and resilience-building interventions may improve mental health outcomes in vulnerable youth.