The association between university attendance and mental health trajectories in young adults with low and high autistic traits: Evidence from the ALSPAC population cohort
BackgroundAttending university may be associated with increases in reported mental health symptoms in young adults. The role autistic traits (ATs) play in this association remains unclear—despite those with high ATs facing heightened risk of co-occurring mental health problems. We aimed to compare depression symptom trajectories from ages 16 to 25 in young adults who did and did not attend university in the early 2010s, and by low and high ATs. MethodLongitudinal data were drawn from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children population-based cohort. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Short Mood and Feeling Questionnaire. University attendance was derived from start, end and graduation dates. Autistic traits were assessed using the Social and Communication Difficulties Checklist. Mixed-effects growth curve models were applied to estimate depression trajectories. ResultsThe primary analysis included 3,563 individuals. Mean depression scores were lower among university attendees before entry compared to non-attendees. Scores increased over time in both groups, with no evidence that university attendance predicted differential increases. Depression scores were substantially higher before university in individuals with high ATs compared to individuals with low ATs. Those with high ATs who attended university showed marginal decreases in scores, whereas non-attendees saw increases over time. Sensitivity analyses supported primary findings, except when university attendance was defined by graduation at ages 24 and 25. ConclusionsYoung adults with high ATs show higher depression scores than the general population. University attendance appears to have population- and context- dependent associations with depression trajectories.