Predicting Depression Based on Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, many studies focused on emotion regulation in conceptualization, explanation, and treatment of mental disorders. Problematic patterns of emotional reactivity and regulation are prominent factors in various mental disorders, specially internalizing disorders. The present study aimed to identify the role of emotion regulation strategies in predicting depression.
 Method: This descriptive –correlational research was conducted on 650 students of Yazd University selected by cluster sampling. They completed the Beck depression inventory (BDI-II) and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies Questionnaire (CERQ.) Research data were analyzed in SPSS-22 by Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise regression.
 Results: A significant positive correlation was found between maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (self-blame, rumination, catastrophizing, other-blame) and depression. Adaptive emotion regulation strategies (acceptance, reorientation, plan-focus, perspective taking) were negatively correlated with depression. Results of Stepwise regression showed that self-blame, reorientation, catastrophizing, plan-focus, and other blame could explain 34% of depression variance significantly.
 Conclusion: According to the results, emotion regulation strategies can be a significant factor in predicting depression; so, strengthening the adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies should be considered in the development and modification of treatments for depression.

The Effect of Emotion Regulation on Predicting Depressive Symptoms in Students

“…The present study has a negative and significant correlation between adjusted emotion regulation strategies such as positive refocusing, positive appraisal, and putting into perspective. Dadfarnia et al (7) reported an inverse and significant relation between adjusted emotion regulation strategies such as acceptance, positive refocusing, planning, and putting into perspective, which was consistent with this study. These strategies lead to the higher flexibility of the person towards encountering different conditions, experiencing a lower level of depression.…”

“…Dadfarnia et al studied the Yazd students and showed this relationship (7). In addition, Dadfarnia et al's study demonstrated a relationship between rumination and other blame with depression (7). Martin and Dahlen observed a significant positive relationship between catastrophizing and depression (16).…”

“…The results demonstrated a direct and significant relationship between self-blame and catastrophizing as unadjusted emotion regulation strategies with depression. Dadfarnia et al studied the Yazd students and showed this relationship (7). In addition, Dadfarnia et al's study demonstrated a relationship between rumination and other blame with depression (7).…”

“…A correlation coefficient of 0.35 and 0.37 was determined by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) between negative coping strategies of emotion regulation and depression and anxiety scores, respectively, indicating that the questionnaire was valid, and all correlations were statistically significant (7). The total score of the questionnaire was between 18 -90.…”

“…Emotion and regulation play significant roles in psychotic disorders, including anxiety and depression (7). Literature have shown that impairment of emotion regulation could predispose the individual to problems, such as depression and anxiety (8).…”