Abnormal Time and Space Experiences Among Transitional‐Age Youth With a Major Depressive Disorder: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the abnormal experiences of time and space among transitional-age youth with major depressive disorder.

Design

A descriptive phenomenological qualitative study.

Methods and Setting

The study was conducted at a psychiatric hospital in China. Purposive sampling was used to recruit transitional-age youth with major depressive disorder. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using Colaizzi's method.

Findings

Seventeen participants were interviewed. The abnormal experiences of time and space among transitional-age youth with major depressive disorder were synthesised into five overarching themes: (1) Disturbance of Time Order; (2) Slackening of the Flow of Time; (3) Vital Inhibition; (4) Desynchronisation of Social Rhythms; and (5) Disturbance of Lived Space.

Conclusions

This study highlights that pervasive abnormalities in temporal and spatial experiences characterise transitional-age youth with major depressive disorder. These disturbances shape their sense of self, personal development, relationships and engagement with the world, underscoring the need for interventions that address these temporal and spatial disturbances within the context of developmental transition.

Impact

This study addresses a knowledge gap regarding the subjective experience of time and space among transitional-age youth with major depressive disorder. This study highlights that transitional-age youth with major depressive disorder experience desynchronisation across temporal, spatial, bodily and social domains. Moreover, the desynchronisation of social rhythms appears to be a unique and developmentally salient challenge for transitional-age youth with major depressive disorder. These insights expand phenomenological understandings of major depressive disorder and highlight the developmental vulnerabilities of major depressive disorder as it navigates this critical life phase.

Patient or Public Contribution

Five participants were involved in reviewing and providing feedback on the interview content and results. Their contributions included enhancing the authenticity and credibility of the findings.

Reporting Method

The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines.