Anger sensitivity and relatedness frustration as predictors of depression

Abstract

Depression is more prevalent in individuals raised in cold and violent families, which can lead to a lack of connection or frustration in relationships and heightened sensitivity to signs of danger, such as anger on faces. These factors can both exacerbate symptoms of depression. However, research into the links between depressive symptoms and relatedness frustration, as well as depressive symptoms and anger sensitivity, has been limited. This study aims to address this gap by investigating these relationships. The study recruited 1241 participants from the general population, who completed an online task involving the recognition of emotions on morphed faces and questionnaires measuring depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS-M) and relatedness frustration (Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale, BPNSFS). As expected, the results showed that depressive symptoms were positively associated with relatedness frustration, however, were negatively associated with anger sensitivity. Both factors were also found to be significant predictors of depressive symptoms. Our results are noteworthy especially given the fact that we are living in a time of staying in the home for extended periods of time, which is associated with cognitive decline and depression.