Indirect effect of hopelessness on depression symptoms through perceived burdensomeness

Date

2018-07-24

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

SAGE

Type

Article

Peer reviewed

Yes

Abstract

Hopelessness theory of depression posits that hopelessness due to negative inferences may serve as a proximal and sufficient cause of depression, while interpersonal theories suggest that interpersonal stress resulting from relationship problems and social rejection may lead to symptoms of depression. We propose that the two perspectives can be integrated by examining a model in which hopelessness predicts depression symptoms through two specific interpersonal stress constructs, thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, in a sample of university students from Macau (N¼350). Results of mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of hopelessness on depression symptoms through perceived burdensomeness (indirect effect¼.45; 95% confidence interval¼.28 to .65), but not thwarted belongingness (indirect effect¼.06; 95% confidence interval¼ .05 to .18). Alternative models were also tested. When each interpersonal construct was treated as a separate mediator without controlling for the other, significant indirect effects of both perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were found. Moreover, when hopelessness was assigned as the mediator and interpersonal constructs as independent variables, significant indirect effects were likewise found for perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Findings suggest that the two different yet compatible views about depression—hopelessness and interpersonal theories— may be integrated to provide a better understanding of the process of how depression symptoms occur. It also reinforces the importance of considering interpersonal factors in the study of depression, especially in societies where interpersonal relationships are highly valued.

Description

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.

Keywords

hopelessness, interpersonal stress, perceived burdensomeness, depression

Citation

Nalipay, M. J. N. and Ku, L. (2018) Indirect effect of hopelessness symptoms through perceived burdensomeness. Psychological Reports,

Rights

Research Institute