This study investigated the longitudinal relationships among depression, anxiety, and student satisfaction with university life among college students using two waves of longitudinal data. Correlation analysis and cross-lagged models revealed a significant negative correlation between depression and student satisfaction. Depression at Time 1 negatively predicted student satisfaction at Time 2, while student satisfaction at Time 1 negatively predicted both depression and anxiety at Time 2. Anxiety at Time 1 did not significantly predict student satisfaction at Time 2. Improving student satisfaction significantly impacts reducing depression and anxiety levels.

Xinqiao Liu, Jingxuan Wang