Maladaptive Eating–Depression Symptom Networks Across Mexican American Children's Cultural Development

Research demonstrates that maladaptive eating (e.g., restriction, disinhibition) and persistent depressive symptoms often co-occur and may reinforce each other over time. However, little is known regarding the etiology of early maladaptive eating and depressive symptoms among Mexican American children and how cultural orientation impacts co-occurrence. This study aimed to map the emerging structure of maladaptive eating–depression symptom networks, identify early dysfunctional mechanisms (i.e., symptoms) that maintain network structure, and explore how cultural orientation influences mechanisms. The sample included 263 low-income Mexican American children, assessed at 6-, 7.5-, and 9-years-old via maternal report. Mothers completed surveys on child eating, depressive symptoms, and cultural orientation. Data was analyzed using regularized partial correlation, Ising, and mixed graphical network models. Results showed that maladaptive eating networks were invariant over time. Central maladaptive eating symptoms were related to food responsiveness. Depressive symptom and combined networks were not stable enough for interpretation. Sadness and thoughts of worthlessness/inferiority emerged as central depressive symptoms at age 9. No bridge symptoms or moderated effects were large enough for interpretation. This study is the first of its kind to examine associations between eating and depressive symptoms among Mexican American children using network analysis. Results provide etiological information on the structure of co-occurring eating and depressive symptoms across late childhood and provide direction towards optimal prevention targets among this group.