When Depression Moderates Risk: Lifetime MDD Severity Weakens the Externalizing--Risky Behavior Association

Risky behaviors such as substance use, alcohol misuse, and violence pose substantial public health risks. Among 511 adults, depressive symptoms moderated links between externalizing symptoms and lifetime substance use and aggression. These associations were attenuated at elevated depression levels, suggesting depression alters expected associations between externalizing symptoms and risky behavior.