Attachment Styles in College Students and Depression: The Mediating Role of Self Differentiation

This study explored the role of self-differentiation as a possible mediator between insecure attachment in romantic relationships and depressive symptoms among a sample of 175 college undergraduates. Participants completed the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale (ECRS), the Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI), and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Preacher and Hayes’ (2008) test for indirect effects was used to test the mediational model. As hypothesized, degree of insecure attachment predicted depressive symptoms through affect regulation. Implications of results in regards to mental health prevention among college students and future research are discussed.
Source: Mental Health and Prevention - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research