Emotion reactivity in depression: The mediating role of emotion regulation and cognitive reactivity

Abstract

Objective: Emotion reactivity has been linked to the development of depression symptoms. Emotion regulation and cognitive reactivity are well established as vulnerability factors for major depressive disorder (MDD). It has been suggested that emotion reactivity might predispose individuals to problems with emotion regulation. Emotion reactivity might influence cognitive reactivity by creating more chances for negative thinking patterns to strengthen and become available. Thus emotion reactivity might indirectly influence emotion regulation and cognitive reactivity and cause more severe depression symptoms. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between emotion reactivity, emotion regulation, cognitive reactivity and depression. Method: A total of 115 university students were assessed on self-report measures of emotion reactivity, emotion regulation, cognitive reactivity, and depression symptomology. Results: Emotion reactivity predicted current depressive symptoms when emotion regulation and emotion reactivity were controlled for. The relationship between emotion reactivity and depression was partly mediated by dysfunctional emotion regulation methods on one hand, and cognitive reactivity on the other. Conclusion: These results indicate that emotion reactivity causes depression, in part, because of difficulties in regulating emotions and because of easily activated negative thinking schemas. Therefore, those who have more maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and increased cognitive reactivity are more likely to show a stronger association of emotion reactivity and depression. In addition, emotion reactivity appears to be an important factor in depression since it is a unique contributor to depression symptomology, even when accounting for the mediating effects of emotion regulation and cognitive reactivity. Future research should aim to explore the relationship between emotion reactivity and depression even further, in a clinical sample.