A cross-lagged panel network model to document the relationships between psychosocial risk factor exposure and internalising symptoms in early-to-mid adolescence

Adolescence is characterised by rapid physical, psychological, and social changes and is a critical period for the onset of internalising symptoms. Yet, research has often examined risk factors and symptoms in isolation, overlooking their complex and dynamic interrelations. Using three waves of data from the #BeeWell project in Greater Manchester (26,921 adolescents aged 12–15 years/Years 8–10; 37% in Year 8, 32% and 31% in Years 9 and 10, respectively; 50% female; 65% White), we applied a cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) model to explore within- and between-person effects in the interrelations between eleven self-report, modifiable psychosocial risk factors (e.g., bullying victimisation, stress) and internalising symptoms. Within-person networks were dense, indicating substantial interrelations among symptoms and risk factors and providing evidence of the complex, mutually reinforcing nature of adolescent internalising symptoms over time. Many risks and symptoms were interrelated both directly and indirectly in the temporal network (β = .05 to .16) and co-occurred, as shown in the contemporaneous network (r = .01 to .40). The between-person network (r = .000 to .74) displayed some negative associations absent from within-person models, suggesting different dynamics at individual and group levels. These findings support complex designs, such as multi-target prevention and intervention strategies, caution against simplistic models, and highlight the importance of distinguishing within- and between-person processes for public health practice.