What drives depression contagion in adolescent best friends? An examination of the role of interpersonal response styles in an online and offline context

Depressive symptoms increase dramatically in the transition from childhood to adolescence. At the same time, friends become increasingly important conversation partners in adolescence. Notably, considerable evidence now suggests that adolescents and their friends can influence each other’s depression levels over time, a process called ‘depression contagion’. The current project aims to advance knowledge on the process of depression contagion in adolescents by examining contagion of depressive symptoms within best friend dyads. We will extend past research in multiple ways: (1) we will explore mechanisms that are likely driving depression contagion (i.e., communication about positive and negative events); (2) we will investigate contagion in both the offline and online context; (3) we will examine long-term as well as momentary contagion. To pursue these aims, we will conduct three studies: two large-scale longitudinal studies and one smaller-scale study in the natural environment of best friend dyads. The research has several notable strengths: (a) inclusion of large samples; (b) both short- and long-term designs using different methods (i.e., experience sampling and longitudinal method); and (c) application of a rigorous dyadic approach that allows to study mutual influences between peers. The results of this project will increase insight into maladaptive dynamic friendship processes, which will be of great significance for prevention and intervention efforts.