Network analysis of depression and anxiety symptoms associated with happiness

Background: Network analyses have been applied to understand relationships between individual symptoms of depression and anxiety, but little is known about which symptoms are most strongly associated with positive indicators of mental health, such as happiness.

Methods: Network analyses were applied in a sample of Indian adolescents (Study 1; n = 1,080) and replicated in a pre-registered study with Kenyan adolescents (Study 2; n = 2,176).

Results: Feeling sad and feeling like a failure had the strongest negative associations with happiness items. Symptoms of depression and anxiety formed a single cluster, distinct from a cluster of happiness items. Main findings were consistent across both samples, suggesting cross-culturally robust associations.

Conclusions: Some symptoms of depression and anxiety are more strongly associated with happiness. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for clinical psychological science.