Stability of symptoms of psychological distress: A 13‐year study using Australian national data

Abstract

This study examined the stability of 10 symptoms of psychological distress measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) in an Australian adult sample. Data were collected at seven time points, 2 years apart, between 2007 and 2019. The average stability of the 10 symptoms was 49%. However, there were differences between items. The items can be categorised based on two characteristics: Degree of extremity and arousal. More extreme symptoms (i.e., those beginning with ‘so’, such as ‘so sad that...’) tended to change more over time, whereas milder symptoms (e.g., “nervous”) tended to be more stable. Symptoms with low levels of arousal (e.g., ‘hopeless’) tended to reflect more situation‐specific influences, whereas symptoms with high levels of arousal (e.g., ‘restless or fidgety’) tended to reflect more nonsystematic influences.

Longitudinal relationship between psychological distress and personality traits

“…A study found that the stable component of distress accounts for approximately 50%-59% of its variance over time (Breslin et al, 2006). Joshanloo (2023b), using the same dataset as in the present study, found an average temporal stability estimate of approximately 49% for psychological distress. Stability estimates for personality traits have been reported to range from 43% to 72% (Wagner et al, 2019), which are higher but comparable to those of psychological distress.…”

“…The construct validity and reliability of the scale have been supported in Australian adult samples (Anderson et al., 2013; Merson et al., 2021; Sunderland et al., 2012). The longitudinal measurement invariance of the scale was supported in the HILDA sample (Joshanloo, 2023b).…”

“…Psychological distress can be defined as a state of emotional distress often characterized by symptoms of depression (e.g., sadness and despair) and anxiety (e.g., restlessness and nervousness) (Drapeau et al., 2012). Psychological distress, like personality traits, consists of both stable and variable components (Joshanloo, 2023b). While distress levels are constantly influenced by short‐term events and contextual factors (Hudson et al., 2017), research also indicates a significant degree of temporal stability in psychological distress (Breslin et al., 2006).…”

“…Psychological distress can be defined as a state of emotional distress often characterized by symptoms of depression (e.g., sadness and despair) and anxiety (e.g., restlessness and nervousness) (Drapeau et al, 2012). Psychological distress, like personality traits, consists of both stable and variable components (Joshanloo, 2023b).…”