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Cognitive reactivity mediates the relationship between neuroticism and depression
Thorsten Barnhofer1, Tobias Chittka
1University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX37JX, United Kingdom. thorsten.barnhofer@psych.ox.ac.uk
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|January 15, 2010
Summary
Neuroticism increases depression risk by promoting rumination. For those with prior depression, it also reactivates negative thoughts like hopelessness and suicidal ideation, increasing recurrence risk.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Neuroticism is a known risk factor for depression.
- The precise mechanisms linking neuroticism to depression symptoms remain unclear.
- Cognitive reactivity is explored as a potential mediator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cognitive reactivity as a mediator between neuroticism and depression.
- To examine differences in mediation pathways between individuals with and without a history of depression.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study assessing neuroticism six years prior.
- Assessed cognitive reactivity and current depression symptoms via self-report questionnaires.
- Included individuals with (N=98) and without (N=83) a history of depression.
Main Results:
- Ruminative thinking in response to low mood mediated the link between neuroticism and depression in both groups.
- Reactivation of hopelessness and suicidal thinking additionally mediated risk in those with a history of depression.
- Neuroticism generally increases ruminative responses to low mood.
Conclusions:
- Neuroticism predisposes individuals to depression via increased rumination.
- In individuals with a history of depression, neuroticism facilitates the reactivation of specific negative thought patterns, increasing recurrence risk.
- Findings suggest targets for interventions to prevent depression occurrence and recurrence.
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