Evaluating hypothetical prevention strategies for internalizing symptoms in the general population and at-risk children.

Specific modifiable factors (e.g., screen time [ST], sleep duration, physical activity, or social connections) are targets for reducing depression risk in adults. However, research in adolescents lacks causal inference implementations, as prevention trials are costly and often prohibitive. Emulating randomized trials with observational data enables inference regarding hypothetical interventions on modifiable factors that reduce depression risk, in general and at-risk populations.