# The Network Relationship Between the Core Elements of Interpersonal Communication Competence and Depression in Chinese College Students

## TL;DR

This study explores how communication skills relate to depression in Chinese college students, finding that better communication can reduce depressive symptoms.

## Contribution

The study introduces a network analysis approach to reveal gender-specific communication patterns linked to depression in college students.

## Key findings

- Stronger interpersonal communication skills like altercentrism, immediacy, and supportiveness protect against depression.
- Altercentrism is the most mediating factor between communication competence and depression.
- Gender differences show men rely more on immediacy, while women emphasize interaction management and expressiveness.

## Abstract

Depression is a prevalent mental health problem among college students, often stemming from academic stress, social pressure, and self-regulatory needs. This study explored the intricate network relationships between interpersonal communication competence and depressive symptoms to understand better how these variables interact and influence students' mental health. Using a sample of 486 college students from a university in Shandong, China, this study examined the centrality, connectivity, and predictability between 10 dimensions of interpersonal communication competence and dimensions of depressive symptoms using network analysis. Results indicated that stronger interpersonal communication competences, particularly altercentrism, immediacy, and supportiveness, were protective factors for depression, contributing to emotional support and reduced loneliness. Altercentrism is the highest level of mediation between interpersonal competence and depression. The study identified gender differences, with men relying more on immediacy, while women emphasized interaction management and expressiveness. The findings highlight the importance of gender-specific interventions that address gender-specific needs, and that such interventions can improve interpersonal communication competences as a strategy for alleviating depression in college students.