Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
07:57
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
22.5K
Depression symptoms moderate the association between emotion and communal behavior
Lance M Rappaport1, D S Moskowitz1, Bianca D'Antono2
1Department of Psychology, McGill University.
Journal of Counseling Psychology
|February 22, 2017
Summary
Depression symptoms weaken the link between how people act and how they feel. This suggests emotion regulation deficits may cause interpersonal problems in depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Depression is linked to difficulties in emotion regulation, leading to prolonged negative emotions.
- Emotion regulation deficits may impact interpersonal functioning, contributing to relationship problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if depression symptoms moderate the relationship between communal behavior and affect.
- To explore the role of interpersonal behavior in the emotion regulation deficits associated with depression.
Main Methods:
- A community sample reported depression and anxiety symptoms.
- Affect and interpersonal behavior (communal: agreeable, quarrelsome) were recorded over 21 days following natural interactions.
- The Interpersonal Circumplex Model framework was used to measure behavior.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between affect and communal behavior, stronger for negative affect.
- Depression symptoms significantly moderated this association, weakening the link between affect and behavior.
- Anxiety symptoms did not show a moderating effect.
Conclusions:
- Elevated depression symptoms are associated with a reduced ability to adjust communal behavior based on emotional cues.
- This diminished behavioral adaptation may represent an interpersonal mechanism through which emotion regulation deficits contribute to interpersonal problems in depression.
Related Concept Videos
01:01Role of Emotions in Social Life
465
Emotions play a fundamental role in shaping human experience and interactions. The absence of emotions would render life incomplete and fail to capture the essence of human nature. In social psychology, feelings and moods have been extensively studied due to their profound impact on social life and interpersonal relationships. These affective states influence decision-making, behavior, and social perceptions, making them integral to understanding human interactions.Emotions and Social...
465
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
808
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
808
01:18Depression: Overview
1.1K
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
1.1K
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
946
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
946
01:30Social Relationships and Well-Being
384
The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...
384
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
836
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
836