The Impact of Temperament on the Course of Anxiety and Depression in Offspring of Anxious/Depressed Parents

Abstract

Parental depression and anxiety are well-documented risk factors for the development of psychopathology in offspring. This study examines the impact of temperament on the one-year course of anxiety and depression in adolescents and young adults who are at familial risk for these disorders. Using longitudinal data from the ARIADNE study, which includes 522 offspring of parents with a history of depressive or anxiety disorders, this study explores the predictive role of five temperamental traits: Negative Affect, Effortful Control, Extraversion, Orienting Sensitivity, and Affiliativeness. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that Negative Affect was a significant predictor of persistent or worsening depression and anxiety symptoms, while Effortful Control served as a protective factor, promoting symptom improvement over time. Although Extraversion, Orienting Sensitivity, and Affiliativeness were correlated with baseline symptom severity, their predictive power diminished when adjusting for Negative Affect and Effortful Control. These findings emphasize the importance of temperament as a moderating factor in the trajectory of anxiety and depression. Interventions targeting self-regulation and emotional reactivity may mitigate the risk of chronic internalizing disorders in high-risk youth. Future research should explore interactions between temperament and environmental stressors to refine preventive strategies.