Background

Depression is one of the most widespread mental health concerns in the world (Kessler & Bromet, 2013). It is often linked to inwardly directed harm such as self-injuries and suicide (Cuijpers et al., 2014; Hawton et al., 2012; Hawton et al., 2003). The association between depression and violence against others remains uncertain. Emerging evidence is showing that depression and violent behaviours are associated. Positive depression-violence associations have been reported in cross-sectional community survey and register-based investigations (Coid et al., 2006; Wallence et al., 1998; Swanson, 1990), and longitudinal cohort studies (Arseneault et al., 2000; Monahan et al., 1983). Recent research on a total population cohort has shown that risk of violent crime was increased in individuals with depression even after adjustment for familial, socio-demographic and individual factors (Fazel et al., 2015). To date, however, evidence regarding this link has been largely limited to adult and selected samples of individuals in secondary or tertiary care. It is not clear whether the magnitude of depression-violence link is different according to the developmental stages of an individual and whether it is related to more sensitive markers of the illness course. Further, it is not known the mechanisms of any association.

Aim: This project sets out to dissect the depression-violence link with a developmental perspective. Subsequently, this project proposes to test the moderating role of situational factors (i.e., stressful life events) and the mediating role of self-regulation abilities (i.e., inhibition, locus of control), self-harm, and peer victimization. The gained knowledge will be used to facilitate the development of tailor-made prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate the link between depression and violence.