The Co‐Evolution of Depression and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Graduate Students: A Longitudinal Study of Social Support

ABSTRACT

The longitudinal progression of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among graduate students has emerged as a critical public health concern. This three‐wave longitudinal study ( N  = 827) employed cross‐lagged panel models as the primary analytic framework to examine the temporal ordering and prospective associations among depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and multidimensional social support. Complementarily, latent growth curve models were utilized to delineate developmental trajectories and concurrent associations. The latent growth curve models revealed significant longitudinal increases in depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, alongside declining perceived social support. Primary cross‐lagged panel models identified a reciprocal, self‐reinforcing dynamic between depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors over time. Furthermore, multidimensional social support exhibited robust lagged inverse associations with subsequent depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as significant concurrent negative associations. These findings clarify the developmental context and temporal precedence of these constructs, suggesting that proactively reinforcing social support networks is a valuable strategy for addressing graduate student mental health.