Self-Reported Interoceptive Accuracy and Attention Do Not Interact to Predict Depression and Anxiety Symptoms: A...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Dysfunctional interoception is a potential risk factor for depression and anxiety, though findings are inconsistent.
• Specific interoceptive patterns may have varying impacts on mental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess how self-reported interoceptive accuracy and attention predict depression and anxiety symptoms.
• To investigate the interaction between interoceptive accuracy and attention in predicting these symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Two studies (N=170 and N=826) utilized self-report measures for interoceptive accuracy (Interoceptive Accuracy Scale) and attention (Body Perception Questionnaire).
• Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Main Results:

• In both studies, reduced interoceptive accuracy and increased interoceptive attention were associated with higher depression and anxiety symptom scores.
• No significant interaction was found between interoceptive accuracy and attention in predicting depression or anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Self-reported interoceptive accuracy and attention serve as independent predictors of depression and anxiety symptoms.
• These findings clarify the distinct roles of interoceptive accuracy and attention in mental health.