Early language ability and depressive symptoms in preadolescence: Sex-specific mediating effects of self-concept domains

Poorer language ability is a known risk factor for elevated depressive symptoms. However, the cognitive mechanisms underlying this association remain underexplored. Utilizing data from a comprehensive pre-birth cohort in Singapore (<i>N</i> = 473; 49.9% boys; 57.3% Chinese, 27.9% Malay, 14.8% Indian), the present study examined whether (i) self-concept domains mediate the association between early language ability and depressive symptoms during preadolescence, and (ii) these indirect pathways differ by child sex. Children's early language ability was assessed at ages 2 and 4 using standardized assessments of vocabulary and phonological processing. Self-concept and depressive symptoms were measured at ages 8.5 and 10, respectively. Results indicated that the domain of behavioral adjustment mediated the relationship between early language ability and subsequent depressive symptoms for girls (<i>β</i> = -0.07, 95% CI [-0.15, -0.01]), whereas happiness and satisfaction served as a key mediator for boys (<i>β</i> = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.24, -0.03]). After accounting for these mediators, there was no direct association between early language ability and depressive symptoms. These findings highlight potential sex-specific mechanisms through which early language ability is prospectively associated with depressive symptoms. Future research is necessary to determine whether enhancing self-concept can mitigate depressive symptoms in children with early language difficulties.