Disentangling the bidirectional associations of depressive symptoms, impulsivity, and substance use in early adolescence: A between- and within-person perspective.

= 11.23 years at Time 1) completed surveys at baseline and were reassessed at a 6-month time interval. Methodologically, the present study utilized a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model to estimate the distinct continuity and cross-comorbidities of depressive symptoms, impulsive tendencies, and substance use. Results indicated that the onset and continuity of depressive symptoms were apparent but not for impulsive tendencies and substance use. At the between level, there are associations across depressive symptoms, impulsive tendencies, and substance use. At the within-person level, substance use at Time 1 negatively predicted depressive symptoms and impulsivity at Time 2. Substance use at Time 2, in turn, positively predicted both depressive symptoms and impulsive tendencies at Time 3. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).