Testing a syndemics perspective on the effects of multiple adversities on depression and anxiety symptoms in a representative population sample

Considerable empirical evidence indicates that stressful life experiences may have a negative impact on mental health. However, it is unclear how multiple adverse experiences may intersect to influence symptoms of depression and anxiety. Using a syndemics approach to identify potential synergistic effects between major stressors, we aimed to quantify the roles of multiple recent adverse life experiences on depression and anxiety symptoms. A population-representative sample of 1090 Australian adults (53