Protective factors against depression in high-risk children and adolescents: a systematic review of longitudinal studies

Objective: From a preventive perspective, this study reviewed the literature on protective factors against depressive symptoms in high-risk children and adolescents. Methods: We conducted a thorough search of the PubMed, APA, EMCare, and Embase databases for studies published between 1946 and August 25, 2023. We included only longitudinal studies that analyzed protective factors for depressive symptoms in high-risk children or adolescents, excluding cross-sectional studies, reviews, and pre-clinical studies. Results: A total of 29 studies with 62,405 participants were analyzed and 38 protective factors were identified. Positive individual characteristics, family factors, peer relationships, school-related aspects, neighborhood characteristics, and intrinsic religiosity were associated with improved depression outcomes. Conclusion: These findings have important implications for preventive strategies in this population. Addressing protective factors can help prevent depression and enhance lifetime mental health.