Topological analysis of the depression-anxiety-stress network in vocational college freshmen: A longitudinal trace-based analysis

: This study explores the core characteristics, dynamic progression of the depression-anxiety-stress network among Chinese higher vocational college freshmen and its association with life satisfaction, and identifies key nodes and critical intervention points. Participants were 295 higher vocational college freshmen (male = 137; M = 18.52, SD = 0.69) completing two follow-up surveys (5-month interval). Measures included depression-anxiety-stress symptoms and life satisfaction, analyzed via cross-sectional and binary cross-lagged panel network analysis. The results showed that “Easily agitated” was the central node (strength = 1.519, EI = 1.967); “Irritable” and “Mouth Dryness” were top predictors (Out-EI = 1.101, 1.100), with depressive symptoms as the convergence hub. “Easily agitated” had the strongest direct negative impact on life satisfaction (cross-cluster out-predictability = − 0.653). This study elucidates depression-anxiety-stress network mechanisms in higher vocational freshmen, providing a theoretical framework and targeted intervention guidance (e.g., focusing on somatic and emotional nodes).