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Abstract: Subclinical depression, also known as subthreshold depression, refers to a mild form of depressive disorder that does not meet the full diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Despite its subthreshold nature, it exerts a significant impact on individuals’ daily functioning, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life, while also increasing the risk of progression to major depression. Although often perceived as “mild,” subclinical depression is associated with suicidal ideation, reduced productivity, and diminished academic and occupational performance. In Malaysia, the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS, 2019) reported that approximately 30% of adolescents experience mild to moderate depressive symptoms; however, the majority do not seek formal treatment due to stigma, limited access to mental health services, and self-perceptions that their symptoms are not severe.
This conceptual paper aims to examine the role of health behaviors including lifestyle practices, psychological resilience, and coping mechanisms among individuals experiencing subclinical depression. The study is theoretically grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Biopsychosocial Model, which together provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between personal beliefs, psychological factors, and social influences on health-related behaviors. Methodologically, the paper proposes the use of Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) to generate a new, context-specific theoretical understanding based on the lived experiences of individuals with subclinical depression in Malaysia.
The paper is expected to contribute to the field of health psychology and counseling by offering conceptual insights that may inform public health policies, strengthen early intervention frameworks, and guide the development of culturally relevant preventive strategies to reduce the risk of subclinical depression progressing to clinical stages.
Keywords: Subclinical Depression, Health Behavior, Lifestyle, Resilience, Coping.
