Influence of self-referential processing on depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis of cognitive biases and task...

Biased self-referential processing is a component of both depression and anxiety. Although research on self-referential processing in relation to depression and anxiety shows a consistent direction, studies differ widely in methodology and sample compositions, varying the magnitudes of findings. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether mean differences in self-referential processing or continuous relations between self-referential processing and anxiety/depression, differed as a function of sample composition, assessment type, score calculation method, or mood induction use. We included all studies reporting a mean difference in positive versus negative self-referential and/or a continuous relation between self-referential processing and symptoms of depression/anxiety. Standardized mean differences and Fisher's z correlation coefficients were calculated through random-effect meta-analyses. Sample composition and score calculation method emerged as robust moderators of the standardized mean difference between positive and negative self-trait endorsement and the magnitude of the correlation between negative self-trait endorsement and symptoms of depression. We highlight several avenues for future research.