This study investigates the developmental trajectories of depression, anxiety, and stress among college students using a piecewise growth mixture model. Data from a four-year longitudinal survey of 2473 students revealed distinct subtrajectories for each mental health measure, including low and stable, increasing, decreasing then stable, increasing then decreasing, and decreasing and high classes. Factors such as BMI, sleep hours, gender, personality, family background, and relationships with classmates were associated with different trajectory classes. The findings highlight the heterogeneity of mental health development in college students and suggest the need for tailored interventions.

Xinqiao Liu, Yifan Zhang, Wenjuan Gao, Xiaojie Cao