Cognitive-affective mechanisms of regulation as mediators between attachment dimensions and depression

Abstract

The main objective of this research was identifying of physiological mechanisms providing the link between attachment dimensions (avoidance and anxiety) and depression. As potential mediators were separated irrational beliefs, anxiety thoughts and emotion regulation strategies. The research was conducted in Sombor, and the sample consisted of 231 adults in non-clinical populations (134 women). Their mean age was 39 years. Results indicate that the relationship between dimensions of attachment and depression is not direct, but governed by cognitiveaffective regulatory mechanisms. Specifically, rational beliefs, health concerns and catastrophizing as emotion-regulation strategies act as mediators in establishing the relationship between dimensions of attachment-avoidance and depressive states. In the case of full mediation, relationship between dimensions of anxiety and depression is established through three mediators: health concerns, refocusing and catastrophizing.