Abstract
Maladaptive emotion regulation is a risk factor for depression when an individual is experiencing stressful interpersonal events. Although emotion regulation has several different dimensions, little is known about which of these mediate the relationship between interpersonal stress and depressive symptoms. The current study examined self-ratings of emotion regulation, interpersonal stress, and depression in a sample of non-clinical undergraduate students (N = 152). Our results indicated that two facets of emotion regulation (i.e., lack of emotional clarity and limited access to emotion regulation strategies) fully mediate the relationship between interpersonal stress and depression. Hence, to minimize depressive symptoms when experiencing interpersonal stress, our findings suggest that it is important for individuals to be clear about their feelings and to attempt to transition from negative feelings to alternative feelings.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 600-608 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Motivation and Emotion |
Volume | 37 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 Sep |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Depression
- Emotion regulation
- Interpersonal stress
- Mediation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology